Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Jean Toomer
A brief biography of Jean Toomer with links to his some of his poetry.
Read Works
Read Works: Famous African Americans Maya Angelou
[Free Registration/Login Required] This passage contains biographical information about the famous author and civil rights leader and activist named Maya Angelou. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential...
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry:gwendolyn Bennett
This page offers a biography of Gwendolyn Bennet, as well as critical essays on some poems. Includes a picture.
Other
Mississippi Writers Page: Margaret Walker Alexander
The University of Mississippi lauds its native Margaret Walker Alexander. Included are biographical information, an extensive bibliography of her works and those written about her, and a link to the Margaret Walker Alexander National...
PBS
Africans in America: Phillis Wheatley
This website briefly describes the life of Phillis Wheatley, poetess and freed slave.
University of North Carolina
Documenting the American South: Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley
This site from the University of North Carolina provides the full text of Phillis Wheatley's poetry, and her memoirs.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Symbolism in "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"
This video segment from A Walk Through Harlem features the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: On "The Weary Blues"
This site features four different reviews of Langston Hughes' debut award winning volume of poems "Weary Blues". Compiled by the University of Illinois.
Other
Poets' Corner: Harlem Shadows: The Poems of Claude Mc Kay
A collection of seventy four poems by Claude McKay. With an introduction by editor Nelson Miller highlighting his life and great works.
PBS
Literature & Life: Renaissance
Some of the African-American writers and poets who were prominent in the early part of the twentieth century are featured on this page. They were important voices during what became known as the 'black Renaissance'. Here, you can listen...
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Gwendolyn Brooks
The National Women's Hall of Fame offers a biography of renowned black American poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Paul Laurence Dunbar
Use this resource to learn about what makes African-American writer, Paul Laurence Dunbar, heroic in the eyes of others. This article includes information on his life and poetry, as well as "related links" to further related information.
Other
African American Registry: Joel Augustus Rogers: Renaissance Man
Read the biography of the Jamaican writer Joel Augustus Rogers.
![Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: Teacher Resources Glossary, Credits [Pdf] Handout](http://content.lessonplanet.com/resources/thumbnails/410002/large/bwluav9tywdpy2symdiwmduymc0ymjmwmy0xmg9iohvxlmpwzw.jpg?1589983067 "Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: Teacher Resources Glossary, Credits [Pdf] Handout")
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Dream in Color: Teacher Resources Glossary, Credits [Pdf]
This website contains a glossary with definitions of poetic terms and a bibliography of additional African-American poets and books and recommended reading.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each text is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see the...
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Georgia Douglas Johnson
Learn about Georgia Douglas Johnson, an important Harlem Renaissance poet and playwright. List of suggested readings included.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Akron at Night by Teri Ellen Cross Davis
Teri Ellen Cross Davis is a poet who draws upon small, personal moments to explore large themes. Common subjects in her poetry include the experiences of women and people of color in America. This poem is from her 2016 collection Haint....
Other
Phillis Wheatley: Precursor of American Abolitionism
A discussion of the 18th century African American poet Phillis Wheatley and her influence on the abolition movement.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Biographical profile of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, the first African American woman to publish a short story and also an influential abolitionist, suffragist, and reformer.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: A Harlem Renaissance Retrospective
In this instructional activity, students work in collaborative groups to conduct Internet research and create a museum exhibit that highlights the work of selected artists, musicians, and poets of the Harlem Renaissance.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: "Hard Rock Returns to Prison"
Text of the Etheridge Knight poem, "Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminally Insane."
Utah State University
A Mini Unit of Gwendolyn Brooks
Nice lesson plan for grades 5-6 that explores poetry and personal expression through the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Has lots of activities but could easily be modified for time. Has nearly everything you need to do the activity!
BBC
Bbc News: Week of 5 26 14: Obituary: Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was not only a poet but also many other things including a teacher, civil rights activist, abuse survivor, mother and dancer. Learn about her remarkable life and why her work is so significant to many people.
Other
Scholastic News: Week of 5 26 14: Maya Angelou: Remembering a Life of Brilliance
Poet Maya Angelou, who passed away this week, was also a civil rights activist. Learn about the work she did, and why it was so important to her and many others.