Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: What Is the American?
Even colonial America was a melting pot of people from far away. Read about the diversity of the population and why it had an effect on the possibility of rebellion and revolution.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Benjamin Bradley
Learn about inventor and African-American slave, Benjamin Bradley, developer of a steam engine large enough to run the first steam-powered warship.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Religious Pluralism in the Middle Colonies
Essay looks at the phenomenon of religious pluralism in the middle colonies. Author discusses religious sects in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, as well as African Americans and Native Americans.
New Deal Network
New Deal Network: Journal of Negro Life: The New Deal and Housing
A 1934 article depicting the poor quality of housing in the larger cities of America and the Federal government's efforts to correct the problems.
BBC
Bbc: Slave Island New York's Hidden History
A fascinating article that examines the discovery in 1991 of a large Negro burial ground in lower Manhatten. The African American cemetery was used during the 18th century. Archived.
Other
Juneteenth.com: History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth.com discusses what Juneteenth is, its history, and its celebration. Content includes a look at why June 19, 1865, signifies the end of slavery in America, as opposed to Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863.
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....
Yale University
Living Pictures Representing the History of Black Dance
A brief history of black dance in America, includes dance pioneers in jazz dance, ballet, and modern dance.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Com'on Down to Eatonville, Florida
You are Mayor Joe Starks from the book Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and you want more people to relocate to Eatonville, Florida. Identify five amenities that may make Eatonville attractive to African-Americans...
PBS
Africans in America: Runaways 1740 1783
This website gives a rough idea of how many slaves were present in the South and what happened to many who ran away.
PBS
Africans in America: Fort Mose
This website from PBS describes how Fort Mose was established by runaway slaves in Spanish Florida. It also explains what happened to the inhabitants after Spain lost control of Florida.
PBS
Africans in America: Runaway Slave Ad From Colonial New Jersey
Here from PBS is the original text of a runaway slave ad for a slave named Jem. His owner in Newark, New Jersey describes him and offers a reward.
PBS
Africans in America: New York: The Revolt of 1712
Description of revolt in New York City which led to stricter laws for the slaves.
PBS
Africans in America: Witchhunt in New York: The 1741 Rebellion
Description of the revolt in New York soon after the Stono Rebellion which caused many slaves to die.
Scholastic
Scholastic Discussion Guides: Dear America
Good for classrooms and book groups, this site offers background, summary, discussion topics and questions, as well as activities. There's also an interview with the author.
Other
Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation: The Peopling of America Timeline
A history of immigration timeline, which discusses and illustrates periods of U.S. immigration history, pre-1790 through 2000.