Other
E Notes: Short Story Criticism: Jean Toomer
A review of Jean Toomer, an influential writer during the Harlem Renaissance. Presents a biography and a look at his contributions to short fiction.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Anne Spencer
Learn about the life and works of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer who lived her entire life in Virginia and fought for equal rights for African Americans.
CommonLit
Common Lit: David's Old Soul by Nikki Grimes
Grimes is well known for her award-winning books written for children and young adults. The poem "David's Old Soul" appeared in her book One Last Word, a collection inspired by poems from the Harlem Renaissance that follow the "Golden...
Other
Wittenberg University: Major Figures of the Harlem Renaissance
Brief overview, followed by biographical sketches of people making this time memorable.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Langston Hughes
This site gives a short biography of Langston Hughes's life, a "Mini Bio: Langston Hughes" video [3:33] and links to 20 of his books.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Reading Guide to Langston Hughes
This guide discusses Langston Hughes's body of poetry, as well as briefly analyzing characteristics in several individual poems. The site also offers an interview with writer Afaa Weaver regarding Hughes's works, discussion questions, a...
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Zora Neale Hurston
This site provides information and activities focused around Zora Neale Hurston's life and work. Check out this site featuring links to several sites focused on Hurston's work.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Learning Through the Duke
Describe the life of Duke Ellington and his contributions to the field of jazz, write an original poem using a variety of popular vocabulary from the 1920's and respond to Ellington's composition "Mood Indigo" by creating a painting.
Library of Congress
Loc: Portraits by Carl Van Vechten
Carl Van Vechten was a photographer between 1932 and 1964. Here the LOC provides his portrait photography work of celebrities, including many figures from the Harlem Renaissance as well as a small collection of his American landscapes.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Wallace Henry Thurman
Biographical account of Wallace Henry Thurman, African-American editor, critic, novelist, and playwright associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
Van Gogh Gallery
The Van Gogh Gallery: Charles Alston
Biographical account covers the life and career of Charles Alston, African-American painter and sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: James Van Der Zee
Biographical account of James Van Der Zee, an American photographer, whose portraits chronicled the Harlem Renaissance.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: A'lelia Walker
Learn about the life of A'Lelia Walker, an American businesswoman associated with the Harlem Renaissance as a patron of the arts who provided an intellectual forum for the black literati of New York City during the 1920s.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: James P. Johnson
Stride pianist James P. Johnson is featured in this resource with a brief biography highlighting his career. It includes an audio clip showcasing his piano playing style.
Other
G. Schirmer, Inc.: Edward K. (Duke) Ellington
Brief biography of the famous American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader, Duke Ellington (1899-1974 CE). The site describes "Duke's" personal and professional life.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes
Contains an audio recording and a text of the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes provided by the Academy of American Poets.
Van Gogh Gallery
The Van Gogh Gallery: Romare Bearden
Biographical account covers the life and career of Romare Bearden, African-American painter who worked in many different types of media.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Benny Carter
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Benny Carter, an American jazz musician, an original and influential alto saxophonist, who was also a masterly composer and arranger and an important bandleader, trumpeter, and clarinetist.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Alice Dunbar Nelson
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Alice Dunbar Nelson, a novelist, poet, essayist, and critic associated with the early period of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles Spurgeon Johnson
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Charles Spurgeon Johnson, a U.S. sociologist, authority on race relations, and the first black president (1946-56) of Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. (established in 1867 and long...
Other
Whitney Museum: Jacob Lawrence: Exploring Stories
A look at Jacob Lawrence and his art, and instructions on how to make your own tempera paints and "paint your own story," using Lawrence's work as inspiration.
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour: The Art of Romare Bearden
Newshour with Jim Lehrer, a nightly news broadcast on PBS, offers a wealth of material on Romare Bearden. Content includes the NewsHour report, a gallery of his artwork, extended interviews with the artist, and a companion lesson plan.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Josephine Baker
World-renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Fats Waller
This resource presents a brief biography about jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller. Also featured in this resource are a couple of audio clips of his music.