African American Writers

The purpose of this webquest is to introduce you to famous African American authors and poets who have made contributions to the national and international literary societies. You will become familiar with the works of Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelo, Rita Dove, Fredrick Douglas, Alex Haley, Paul Lawerence-Dunbar, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and many more.

The Tasks:

After visiting this site, you should be able to:

understand and appreciate poetry
read and analyze poetry
examine the biographies of the writers
answer questions that relate to the writers
participate in discussions
participate in creative writing activities

The Resources:

The following is a list of sites for you to visit that will highlight the contributions of each writer.

1. African and African-American Writers is a great site to find many African American writers in alphabetical order. This site will provide the place of birth, date of birth and death, Nationally, and a book source

2. African American Poets: Past and Present: An Historical View will provide more information on African American poets and the poetry they wrote throughout the course of history. They will be listed in chronological order as they appear in history. Beginning with the Eighteenth Century and ending with the present generation.

3. The Academy of American Poets will provide biographies, photos, and poems written by many poets.

4. This Black History site will offer fun activities such as crossword puzzles and coloring pages on famous African-American.

5. Literature and Intellectual Life will provide many sources on African American writers from the Harlem Renaissance to 1940, Black American Women in Literature, and Black Playwrights.

The Process:

To accomplish this task, please click on the underline highlighted links that you would like to visit and follow the directions carefully.

1. African and African-American Writers and select one of the writers from the list and research their life influences and their works. Include their birth, early childhood, education, who influenced them to write, and their first major work that they are most noted for. After you have compiled all information, you are to write a report.

2. African American Poets: Past and Present: An Historical View provides more information on past and present poets. You are to read any poem and analyze the poets' feelings.

3. The Academy of American Poets site will provide biographies, photos, and poems written by many poets. You are to listen to the teacher read "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou and write a poem from your own experiences.

4. This Black History site offers fun activities. You are to complete the crossword puzzle on famous American Black Women.

5. Literature and Intellectual Life will provide many sources. You are to write an essay on how African American writers has influence you as a writer.

Learning Advice:

In order to determine the progress you have made completing this unit of study; please direct your attention to the following questions:

1. Name five African American writers and state their major works that they are most noted for.

2. What was the name of Langston Hughes first book of poetry? When was it published?

3. Who was the first African American women director in Hollywood? She wrote "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings."

4. Who is the author of "The Color Purple"?

5. Explore other web sites that are connected to African American writers.

Conclusion:

You should have learned about many famous African American authors and poets who have made contributions to our society. You should have a better understanding and appreciation of poetry.

This page originally written by Shawana Westbrooks-Neely, last updated on March 25, 2000.