University of Virginia
The University of Virginia: My Escape From Slavery
The full text of a famous work by Frederick Douglass that made a huge impact on the abolitionist movement.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Romare Bearden: Let's Walk the Block
A fantastic site that allows you to zoom in on one of Bearden's pieces. See his famous collages up close. Get information on the artist and discover his inspiration. Includes further activities for teachers.
Other
Missouri Secretary of State: Conservation of the Dred Scott Papers
Offers a description of the conservation of papers from the famous 1846 Supreme Court case in which a slave named Dred Scott asked the court for his freedom and was denied.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: The Importance of Muhammad Ali
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the life and career of famous boxer Muhammad Ali while exploring his role in the civil rights movement. Also, discover his views on religion and politics and his legacy for being a positive...
Other
Hall of Fame Biographies: Stephen Bantu Biko
A biography of Stephen Biko (1946-1977 CE), a famous South African black activist. Learn about his struggles and political activities as he fought for the rights of blacks.
Other
Hall of Fame Biographies: Shaka Zulu
Focuses on the story of Shaka Zulu (1787-1828 CE), a famous South African military leader. Read about his early life as well as his military career.
Other
Hall of Fame Biographies: Charlize Theron
Provides a detailed description of Charlize Theron, a South African actress. Find out the fascinating story of her life as ballerina, model, and finally actress.
Other
Hall of Fame Biographies: Albert John Lutuli
This South African Hall of Fame site features a page on the life of Albert Lutuli (1898-1967), a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a leader in the fight for civil rights in South Africa.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Barack Obama
Biography of President Barack Obama, the first African American to hold that office.
Other
Hall of Fame Biographies: Jan Christian Smuts
The Prime Minister of the South African Union, Jan Christian Smuts (1870-1950), is profiled in this article. Smuts helped found the League of Nations.
Black Past
Black Past: Robeson, Paul
This encyclopedia entry tells about Paul Robeson, famous baritone, and his struggles for racial equality. A link to a website for more information on African-Americans is provided.
Black Past
Black Past: Cullen, Countee
The brief encyclopedia article tells about Countee Cullen, famous poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
Black Past
Black Past: Wright, Richard
A brief article about the famous black author, Richard Wright.
Black Past
Black Past: Muhammad Ali
In this brief encyclopedia entry, you can read about Muhammad Ali, famous as a boxer, but, perhaps more so, as an ambassador of good will. There are links to other websites for more information.
Black Past
Black Past: Attucks, Crispus
This encyclopedia article, which includes the famous engraving of the Boston Massacre, recounts Crispus Attucks' participation in that event.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: December 1: Rosa Parks & Pas De Deux
Two important events in U.S. history are described here. The first looks at Rosa Parks with quotes from Parks herself. The second looks at the New York City Ballet and the collaboration between Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and...
PBS
Art21: Kara Walker
This artist is best known for exploring the themes of race, gender, and sexuality through silhouetted figures created by light projection.
Other
U.s. Army: Ruth Quinn: James Armistead Lafayette (1760 1832)
Spy extraordinaire of the American Revolution, James Armistead Lafayette, is featured in this biography. Armistead was born a slave in Virginia and became a member of the Continental Army in 1781.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Prize in Literature 1988: Naguib Mahfouz
This the Nobel Foundation page on Naguib Mahfouz, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1988. You'll find bibliographic information, his Nobel speech, and articles written about him.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Intl Civil Rights Walk of Fame: Henry "Hank" Aaron
The National Park Services provides a succinct biography of the famed baseball player, Hank Aaron.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Congressman John R. Lewis
A biography of John R. Lewis, one of the leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. He participated in pivotal resistance campaigns such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, and went on the serve in the United States...
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Oprah Winfrey
A biography of Oprah Winfrey, the much-loved and phenomenally successful talk show host and entertainment executive. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Other
Toledo Museum of Art
Located in Toledo, OH. A fine collection of world-famous works of art from various periods throughout history. Although located in a smaller mid-western city, you'll be surprised at what it has to offer.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Ruby Bridges
A biographical look at Ruby Bridges who became famous at six years of age by being the first Black child to attend a desegregated school in America.