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Primary
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: w.e.b. Du Bois, Souls of Black Folk

For Students 9th - 10th
A chapter that explores how white perceptions influence African American identity. Although granted freedom, citizenship, and suffrage by the Civil War amendments, W. E. B. Du Bois explains how the emancipated black person had yet to be...
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Unit Plan
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Community and the Folk, Making of African American Identity: V. 3

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A story that examines African American community in a rural setting. Zora Neale Hurston's (1891-1960) brief tale "Spunk" is provided within this resources and documents the expressions of southern black "folk."
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Article
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Who Were the Cowboys Behind 'Cowboy Songs'?

For Students 9th - 10th
This article and audio report [9:05] covers the origins of American cowboy folk songs. Uses popups. Also includes a brief video clip of a 19th century folk song being performed.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: American Masters: Paul Simon

For Students 9th - 10th
Along with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon was part of one of the most popular bands of the 1960's. Still popular today, read about his career in this biography from PBS.
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Handout
Van Gogh Gallery

The Van Gogh Gallery: Edward Hicks

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical account covers the life and career of Edward Hicks, an American folk painter.
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eBook
Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg: The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois

For Students 9th - 10th
This famous examination of the struggle for identity and equality is presented in multiple digital formats.
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Website
Other

Rhode Island State Symbols

For Students 9th - 10th
Do you know which state's folk art symbol is a carousel? Which state's official drink is coffee milk? You're right! It's Rhode Island. Learn about these symbols and more as you look at this site from the Ocean State.
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Handout
S.E. Schlosser

American Folklore: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man

For Students 3rd - 5th
At this site read about John Henry, the steel-drivin' man who uses two hand-held hammers to dig a tunnel faster than a steam drill!
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Shenandoah

For Students 9th - 10th
The Library of Congress provides background information on the origins of the popular folk tune, "Shenandoah."
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Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland

For Students 3rd - 8th
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
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Website
Other

Memory Is a Painter: The Art of Grandma Moses

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has a short biography with three enlargeable images of the work of Grandma Moses.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadbelly

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Leadbelly, an American folk-blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose ability to perform a vast repertoire of songs, in conjunction with his notoriously violent life, made him a legend.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Odetta

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Odetta, an American folk singer who was noted especially for her versions of spirituals and who became for many the voice of the civil rights movement of the early 1960s.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Blind Lemon Jefferson

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Blind Lemon Jefferson, an American country blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, one of the earliest black folk-blues singers to achieve popular success.
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Website
Mex Connect

Dia De Muertos: The Dead Come to Life in Mexican Art

For Students 9th - 10th
To an outsider, Mexico's celebration for their dead loved ones seems a bit morbid. Discover Mexicans distinct view of the afterlife by reading the reaction of a French-Canadian woman visiting the country. Also includes information on...
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Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: James Taylor

For Students 9th - 10th
Presents comprehensive biographical details on Grammy winning singer/songwriter James Taylor, a 2000 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key events, essential songs, and recommended reading list.

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