Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Gwendolyn Brooks
Writer Gwendolyn Brooks is presented in this biography for her contributions to African American literature. Click on "Gwendolyn Brooks Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Alice Walker
Alice Walker is highlighted in this brief biography for her acclaimed contributions to literature, relating the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Click on "Alice Walker Activities" for related materials.
![De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet [Pdf] Unit Plan](https://static.lp.lexp.cloud/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet [Pdf] Unit Plan")
Polk Brothers Foundation Center for Urban Education at DePaul University
De Paul University: Center for Urban Education: Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet [Pdf]
"Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet" is a one page, biographical passage about Gwendolyn Brooks, an African-American poet from Chicago. It is followed by an open-ended question which requires students to provide evidence from the story; it includes...
University of North Carolina
Documenting the American South: Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley
This site from the University of North Carolina provides the full text of Phillis Wheatley's poetry, and her memoirs.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry:gwendolyn Bennett
This page offers a biography of Gwendolyn Bennet, as well as critical essays on some poems. Includes a picture.
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Maya Angelou (1928 2014)
A look at the life and works of poet and writer Maya Angelou, complete with detailed biography, bibliography, links to poems and articles.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Hayden's Life and Career
Mark A. Sanders writes a biographical critique on Robert Hayden and his poetry.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Sterling A. Brown (1901 1989)
An extensive look at the life and works of Sterling A. Brown of the Harlem Renaissance. With links to specific poems and analysis, a biography, and related topics.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes
Poet laureate Langston Hughes is featured in this brief biography highlighting his vast collection of writings, particularly his poetry, which drew upon racial and self awareness in America. See "Langston Hughes Activities" for related...
PBS
Pbs: The Blues as Poetry
Discover what the relationship is between poetry and the blues. This site features lesson plans and online resources.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay's Life
A concise and in-depth biography of the American poet known as Claude McKay (1890-1948 CE). McKay was one of the key members of The Harlem Renaissance Movement.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Guide to Black History: Harlem Renaissance
Extensive information about the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time considered to be the cultural awakening of African Americans. Included are sections on poetry, fiction, and drama, as well as the legacy of this movement.
Other
San Francisco Unified School District: Teaching #Blacklivesmatter
A library research guide with a huge collection of links to articles, lesson plans, readings, poetry, and official documents. They explore the experiences of African Americans and the evolution and purpose of the Black Lives Matter...
New York Times
New York Times: Week of 5 26 14: Lyrical Witness of Jim Crow South, Dies at 86
[Free Registration/Login Required] African American poet Maya Angelou passed away this week. Learn about her difficult early life and rise to fame as a critically acclaimed author.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Phillis Wheatley
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief biography of Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784 CE), the first African-American to have a book of poetry published.
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.
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Paul Laurence Dunbar
This site focuses on Paul Laurence Dunbar including a biography that includes a poem in dialect "Negro Love Song" illustrating how well the author used this format. It also includes links to eight of his books.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Walking Down Park by Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni is one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement and has won numerous awards. Her work ranges from covering topics on race, gender, the African American experience and social issues to children's literature and...
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Tracy K. Smith, New u.s. Poet Laureate, Calls Poems Her 'Anchor'
A profile of Tracy K. Smith, the U.S. Poet Laureate for 2017. Includes an audio recording of her reading the poem "When Your Small Form Tumbled Into Me." (Published June 14, 2017)
Other
Poets' Corner: Harlem Shadows: The Poems of Claude Mc Kay
A collection of seventy four poems by Claude McKay. With an introduction by editor Nelson Miller highlighting his life and great works.
Other
Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf]
An essay detailing the artistry of the Harlem Renaissance period as demonstrated in the poetry and writings derived from New York City in the 1920s.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each text is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see the...
Utah State University
A Mini Unit of Gwendolyn Brooks
Nice lesson plan for grades 5-6 that explores poetry and personal expression through the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Has lots of activities but could easily be modified for time. Has nearly everything you need to do the lesson plan!
Black Past
Black Past: Phillis Wheatley
This on-line encyclopedia article gives information about Phillis Wheatley, the Boston slave who surprised colonial America with her poetry. She was the first African-American woman to have her work published.
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