Shmoop University
Shmoop: Parsley
Read about the poem, Parsley, by African American poet, Rita Dove. This site goes into detail examing the poem and its signifciance.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
This is the full text of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. It includes a short bio of Langston Hughes and a focuses for the reader: As you read, take notes on the metaphor and larger message presented in the text. [Free...
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: How to Blues
This site has ten lessons to teach about the blues in which students learn the geography, historical events and performers associated with the blues. The unit has been recognized by the American Music Education Initiative as one of the...
Other
Rita Dove and "Straw Hat"
A short bio is provided along with Rita Dove's poem "Straw Hat". Links provided to other sites with information about, and poetry by Dove.
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!
Other
Lesson Plan: Writing a Haiku
Check out this lesson on haiku that includes samples by Richard Wright. Students and teachers will benefit from this educational tool.
Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Literature Unit: The House of Dies Drear
"The House of Dies Drear," is a powerful novel by Virginia Hamilton.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Langston Hughes
This site provides a biography of Langston Hughes, followed by several of his poems (some complete with audio clips) and a bibliography of his more influential works.
Other
Usps: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song
Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...
Library of Congress
Loc: Web Guides: Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith: Online Resources
A collection of online resources compiled by the Library of Congress for information on Tracy K. Smith, the U.S. Poet Laureate for 2017. Includes links to biographical information, audio recordings, videos, articles, essays, and book...
Other
Uncle Remus
This site offers a collection of 35 "Uncle Remus" stories, written by Joel Chandler Harris. In addition, many of Harris's songs and poems are gathered here, and some analysis of his work.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Africa
This poem by Maya Angelou taps into the black pride movement during the twentieth century. This site gives an excellent analysis of the poem and its important themes.
Other
Mississippi Writers Page: Margaret Walker Alexander
The University of Mississippi lauds its native Margaret Walker Alexander. Included are biographical information, an extensive bibliography of her works and those written about her, and a link to the Margaret Walker Alexander National...
University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo: Derek Walcott
This site, created by a University of Buffalo math professor with a deep interest in African American and Caribbean writing, gives four poems by Walcott an audio of him speaking, and a biography and bibliography.
Library of Congress
Loc: Librarian of Congress Names Tracy K. Smith Poet Laureate
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.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: What Was the Harlem Renaissance?
Professor Kate Rushin describes the Harlem Renaissance as a large social and cultural movement fueled by many factors in this video from A Walk Through Harlem.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Electronic Text Center: The Modern English Collection
This collection contains fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, letters, newspapers, manuscripts, and illustrations from 1500 to the present, arranged for browsing by author's last name or by category of interest. It contains classics such...
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College: Hood Museum of Art
Designed by architect Charles Moore, the Hood Museum of Art has a permanent collection ranging from Ancient and Asian to Modern and Contemporary Art. Of special note are American portrait paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries,...
My Hero Project
My Hero: Maya Angelou
This resource offers the text given by two middle school students on why Angelou is their hero. It also contains an extensive biography given by Susannah Abbey. It has the text to the poem "A Brave and Startling Truth."
Curated OER
Massachusetts Historical Society: Phillis Wheatley
Read a biography of Phillis Wheatley, along with poems and letters written by her.
Curated OER
University at Buffalo: Derek Walcott
This site, created by a University of Buffalo math professor with a deep interest in African American and Caribbean writing, gives four poems by Walcott an audio of him speaking, and a biography and bibliography.
Curated OER
University at Buffalo: Derek Walcott
This site, created by a University of Buffalo math professor with a deep interest in African American and Caribbean writing, gives four poems by Walcott an audio of him speaking, and a biography and bibliography.