Describes the life of the Afro-American singer, writer, and civil rights activist.

The best literature that emerged from a flowering of African American culture centered in Harlem between the world wars

"National Book Award-winner Jesmyn Ward takes James Baldwin's 1963 examination of race in America, The Fire Next Time, as a jumping off point for this groundbreaking collection of essays and poems about race from the most important voices of her generation and our time. In light of recent tragedies and widespread protests across the nation, The Progressive magazine republished one of its most famous pieces: James Baldwin's 1962 "Letter to My Nephew,"...

A companion book contains the text of the poems and a commenatry by J.D. McClatchy.

Presents primary sources from and criticism on the Harlem Renaissance, covering social, economic, and political influences, publishing, and the arts.

Presents writings by and criticism on seventeen Harlem Renaissance authors, including Claude McKay and Jean Toomer. This volume covers I-Z.

A collection of lullabies orally transmitted by African-American slaves revealing their hardships and sorrows as well as soothing notes of well-being and belief in a better time to come.

Presents essays that examine racism and other related issues in "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," discussing such topics as race and gender, humor and folklore, and death and rebirth.

"Smith's debut collection, A gospel of bones, is an exploration of internal dialogue and a survival guide as the poet examines and contends with the politics of biracial black womanhood, love, sex, single motherhood, family, violence, poverty, and most of all, prayer."--Back cover.