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.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Naacp, Constance Baker Motley
In this transcript of an interview for Eyes on the Prize, Justice Constance Baker Motley recalls her role as an NAACP attorney in landmark school desegregation cases.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Black List Project: Al Sharpton
The Reverend Al Sharpton, well known for his racial and political activism, is featured in a biography.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: "Letter From Spain"
This site from Modern American Poetry provides a review of the famous poem by Langston Hughes. The information that is provided is somewhat brief, but factual, and worth checking out.
The British Museum
British Museum: Ife Head: Brass Head of a Ruler
An example of a bronze sculptural piece produced by the Yoruba people of East Africa. Famous for its sense of realism, which was unique in African art at the time (twelfth to fourteenth century AD), this head of a king, from Ife, is...
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Oj Trial Johnnie Cochran
Short article on attorney Johnnie Cochran (1937-2005), his part in the O. J. Simpson trial, and his defense of other high profile clients.
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
Utah State University
Teacher Link: Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights
Come and check out this lesson plan focused on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. Students will be able to identify the important events in the life of this famous African-American leader.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: w.e.b. Du Bois
A brief biography of famous African-American, W.E.B. Du Bois. Read about his activism and his attempts to improve race relations. Hyperlinks to additional information about this important man.