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New York Times

New York Times: Week of 5 26 14: Lyrical Witness of Jim Crow South, Dies at 86

9th - 10th
[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.
Article
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: 300 Women Who Changed History: Phillis Wheatley

9th - 10th
Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief biography of Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784 CE), the first African-American to have a book of poetry published.
Article
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: Tracy K. Smith, New u.s. Poet Laureate, Calls Poems Her 'Anchor'

9th - 10th
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)
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Other

Oxford University Press: Harlem Renaissance [Pdf]

9th - 10th
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.
Article
University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge: The First Black Female Poet?

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This article looks at a ballad, 'Bars Fight,' by 18th century African-American writer Lucy Terry. It considers the literary qualities of a ballad, and its historical role in society. It then goes on to consider why a Black slave might...
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Other

Guernica: Tracy K. Smith: Our Best Selves Are Reserved for the Page

9th - 10th
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she discusses writing a memoir, her poetry, and David Bowie. (Published June 28, 2016)
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Library of Congress

Loc: Librarian of Congress Names Tracy K. Smith Poet Laureate

9th - 10th
A profile of Tracy K. Smith, the poet chosen by the Library of Congress to be the 22nd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2017-2018, otherwise known as the U.S. Poet Laureate. Published June 14, 2017.
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Other

Scholastic News: Week of 5 26 14: Maya Angelou: Remembering a Life of Brilliance

3rd - 8th
Poet Maya Angelou, who passed away this week, was also a civil rights activist. Learn about the work she did, and why it was so important to her and many others.
Article
Other

Harvard Magazine: A Conversation With Tracy K. Smith '94

9th - 10th
An interview with Tracy K. Smith, the 2017 U.S. Poet Laureate, where she talks about her memoir, Ordinary Light. (Published April 9, 2015)

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