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Primary
University of Virginia

The University of Virginia: My Escape From Slavery

For Students 9th - 10th
The full text of a famous work by Frederick Douglass that made a huge impact on the abolitionist movement.
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Unit Plan
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Romare Bearden: Let's Walk the Block

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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Primary
Other

Missouri Secretary of State: Conservation of the Dred Scott Papers

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Article
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: The Importance of Muhammad Ali

For Students 9th - 10th
[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...
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Handout
Other

Hall of Fame Biographies: Stephen Bantu Biko

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Other

Hall of Fame Biographies: Shaka Zulu

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Other

Hall of Fame Biographies: Charlize Theron

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Other

Hall of Fame Biographies: Albert John Lutuli

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Barack Obama

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of President Barack Obama, the first African American to hold that office.
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Handout
Other

Hall of Fame Biographies: Jan Christian Smuts

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Robeson, Paul

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Cullen, Countee

For Students 9th - 10th
The brief encyclopedia article tells about Countee Cullen, famous poet of the Harlem Renaissance.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Wright, Richard

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief article about the famous black author, Richard Wright.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Muhammad Ali

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Attucks, Crispus

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia article, which includes the famous engraving of the Boston Massacre, recounts Crispus Attucks' participation in that event.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: December 1: Rosa Parks & Pas De Deux

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Handout
PBS

Art21: Kara Walker

For Students 9th - 10th
This artist is best known for exploring the themes of race, gender, and sexuality through silhouetted figures created by light projection.
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Article
Other

U.s. Army: Ruth Quinn: James Armistead Lafayette (1760 1832)

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
Nobel Media AB

The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Prize in Literature 1988: Naguib Mahfouz

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
Curated OER

National Park Service: Intl Civil Rights Walk of Fame: Henry "Hank" Aaron

For Students 9th - 10th
The National Park Services provides a succinct biography of the famed baseball player, Hank Aaron.
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Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Congressman John R. Lewis

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Oprah Winfrey

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
Other

Toledo Museum of Art

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
National Women’s History Museum

National Women's History Museum: Ruby Bridges

For Students 9th - 10th
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.