AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCES

Don’t miss one of the most comprehensive groupings of multicultural and diversity-related, web resources on the internet: StratéGenius’ Resources Pages. Please review this African/African American Page, in honor of the United States’ observation of February as Black History Month, and hopefully its application throughout the year. It is an incredible array of sites and bibliographical sources for your librarian, faculty, S.E.E.D. groups, Diversity Committees, and even student groups that want to to learn more about themselves and their histories, or, importantly, of others.

In honoring Black History Month- we shall look at all things black: statistics, where people are located, history, everything we can pull together. There are many different types of nonprofits that receive Orph' Kickin' Picks and you may find this information very useful in the future for yours:

The African-American Mosaic

A Library of Congress Resource Guide

for the Study of Black History and Culture

Introductory Text

This exhibit marks the publication of The African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture. A noteworthy and singular publication, the Mosaic is the first Library-wide resource guide to the institution's African- American collections. Covering the nearly 500 years of the black experience in the Western hemisphere, the Mosaic surveys the full range size, and variety of the Library's collections, including books, periodicals, prints, photographs, music, film, and recorded sound. Moreover, the African-American Mosaic represents the start of a new kind of access to the Library's African-American collections, and, the Library trusts, the beginning of reinvigorated research and programming drawing on these, now systematically identified, collections.

This exhibit is but a sampler of the kinds of materials and themes covered by the publication and the Library's collections. Many of the exhibit items are featured in the Mosaic. Other exhibit materials, not specifically described in the publication, are also included to illustrate that the Mosaic is an effective guide to the Library's rich collections, not an exhaustive inventory.

The exhibit covers only four areas --Colonization, Abolition, Migrations, and the WPA-- of the many covered by the Mosaic. These topics were selected not only because they illustrate well the depth, breadth, and richness of the Library's black history collections, but also because of the significant and interesting interplay among them. For example, the "back-to-Africa" movement represented by the American Colonization Society is vigorously opposed by abolitionists, and the movement of blacks to the North is documented by the writers and artists who participated in federal projects of the 1930s.

Also, to illustrate that the Mosaic opens avenues for further research, several items are included which, though important for black history, cannot have their full stories told until further research is completed.

Finally, this presentation is a sampler of a much larger exhibit now in progress. In 1998, the Library will mount a major exhibition and cultural program examining the impact of African- American history and tradition in the formation of American national identity. The 1998 outreach program will be this institution's first extended reflection upon its pervasive black holdings, and The African-American Mosaic will be a major resource guide in that program's development and realization.

Ten Cities of 100,000 or More with Highest Percentage of Blacks or African Americans: 2000

City	Percent
Gary , Ind.	84.0%
Detroit , Mich.	81.6
Birmingham , Ala.	73.5
Jackson , Miss.	70.6
New Orleans , La.	67.3
Baltimore , Md.	64.3
Atlanta , Ga.	61.4
Memphis , Tenn.	61.4
Washington , DC	60.0
Richmond , Va.	57.2

Free online activities, reproducible lessons from activity books, and reviews of special materials that present exciting ways to bring African American history into your classroom via the Web on their Black History Page.

Also, don't miss their Martin Luther King, Jr. page to find resources for teaching about the civil rights leader.

Annotated list of authoritative and scholarly African American websites, with an emphasis on sites with large collections of links elsewhere, educational sites and research centers, organizations and associations, selected e-journals, and discussion groups. By Elna L. Saxton and Jo McClamroch; published also in College & Research Libraries News.

Good selection of mostly popular web pages on topics such as art, authors, history, and other index sites; also includes annotated listings for online periodicals, resources for children, and a directory of churches.

Scanned documents, letters, and other primary sources from Duke University Library Special Collections. Women featured include Elizabeth Johnson Harris, Vilet Lester, Hannah Valentine and Lethe Jackson. Also includes relevant links to other African American women's history resources.

This large index site organizes links into the four main topics of culture, information, history, and kid's zone. The Afro-Americ@ News section is an online version of the well-known Baltimore newspaper and its regional affiliates. Great content, but heavy use of large graphics makes many pages slow to load.

Annotated listing of hundreds of websites, organized by topics such as Arts & Entertainment, Business, Education, History & Culture, Cyberlife, and others. Includes search engine.

Scholarly collection of online bibliographies, a chronology, study guide, and more information on Malcolm X, his work, and his legacy. Includes many scholarly and authoritative links elsewhere, plus interactive discussion features.

One of the oldest and best African American megasites that has as its purpose the collection of all relevant websites on topics such as education, art and entertainment, the diaspora, history, student and professional organizations, and literature. A good combination of scholarly and popular pages. Developed by Derrick Brown and Georgia Tech's Black Graduate Student Association.

Unannotated list of scholarly African and African American web index sites and electronic journals, on miscellaneous topics. Compiled by librarian Gladys Smiley Bell, for the African American Studies & Librarians (AFAS-L) section of the American Library Association / Association of College & Research Libraries (ALA/ACRL).

Scholarly portal with news, articles, information, and services both free online and for subscription fees. Main channels include Worldview, Lifestyle, Fast Track, Heritage, Art Scene, and Homefront. There are numerous advertisements for products, books, cd-rom's, and network services. Includes music, book, and movie reviews. According to the site, their mission is to gather together authoritative information on the African diaspora in an entertaining way. Includes search engine.

Online e-journal with full-text articles, features, poems, and current news items relevant to African America and the African diaspora. Areas of focus include news, technology, entertainment, and business; recent issues have featured articles on Sierra Leone, the African diaspora in Puerto Rico, and poems by Opal Moore. There is a section for archived issues, that may still be in development as of this writing (5/00).

Current news articles and information on African American topics of concern, including African news. From Afro-americ@ Online.

Vibrant and well-designed online version of this well-known publication that focuses on education and career information for African American students. Includes full-text articles, plus a job bank, résumé services, African American issues, and many helpful features. Includes article archives dating back to February 1997. Highly recommended.

"Music, politics, and spirituality with plenty of hardcore grit." This e-journal features plenty of articles on these topics, with music samples and snippets of articles from archived issues. Full articles from archived issues are available for a fee. Recent issues have focused on topics such as "Indigenous Reality," the Puerto Rican Young Lords party, and Women in Struggle, and featured articles on Sonia Sanchez, Angela Davis, Mumia abu Jamal and many others.

Full text digitized copies of the nation's first African American owned and operated newspaper, 1827-1829. The first 20 issues are currently available free online, with the remaining 80 some issues scheduled to follow. Adobe Acrobat reader necessary, and available online for downloading if needed. From the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Library, a leader in the collection, preservation, and promotion of African American periodicals.

Online version of this well-known youth-oriented music and culture magazine. Loaded with graphics, advertisements, illustrations, and articles.

Online index to this well-known literary research journal; includes links to the reference sections of articles from 1977-present. Some sections are available to online subscribers only; subscriptions available to individuals for a fee. Copies of this journal, 1997-present, are available in Parks Library: Gen COLL E185.5 .W54.

Africans in America (http://odyssey.lib.duke.edu/collections/african-american-women.html)

Companion website to the PBS 4-part documentary, covering the years 1450 through 1865. Includes individual online chapters for various sets of years, with narrative text, maps, illustrations, and other resources. Includes student and teacher guides, plus information about the documentary series.

Website and narrative devoted to the country blues developed way back in 1995 by web pioneer Curtis Hewston. Now includes a chat room, search engine, sound files, and more. Musicians profiled include Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, B.B.King, Buddy Guy, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Son House, Bukka White, and many others.

10,500 members and growing! They connect people of color to share our talents and time to promote computer literacy, educate others about the power and potential of Information Technology... and have some fun!

Part Two of our resource assistance to schools on African American media, library references and other resources, particularly timely for Black History Month, but this list is meant to be used year-round and in preparation for planning of the coming academic year. This is a selected list of specialized reference resources that are useful for beginning research in African American studies.

African-American Atlas: Black History and Culture -- An Illustrated Reference. Molefi K. Asante and Mark T. Mattson. 1998. REF E185 A79 1998
Excellent historical atlas provides information on African peoples and cultures from pre-history to the present. Long, informative, and decidedly afrocentric essays accompany each chapter (e.g., the section on twelfth century African presence in Mexico and Central America , presented here as fact), along with many illustrations and maps. An indispensable and provocative resource.

Historical and Cultural Atlas of African Americans. Molefi K. Asante & Mark T. Mattson. 1991. REF E185 .A8 1991
Long, informative essays on topics such as African origins, African resistance, reconstruction, and others, accompanied by maps, portraits, tables, and other illustrations. Includes important dates, bibliography, index.

BIBLIOGRAPHIES, INDEXES and ABSTRACTS (to locate information in books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and elsewhere on a specific topic)

African-American Newspapers & Periodicals: A National Bibliography. James P. Danky & Maureen E. Hady, eds. REF PN4882.5 A11 A475x 1999
Outstanding bibliography lists almost 7,000 African American newspapers, journals, and magazines, including bibliographic description, dates and place of publication, frequency, and holding libraries. An invaluable resource for historical research, collection development, and interlibrary loan.

Afro-American Folk Culture: An Annotated Bibliography of Materials from North, Central, and South America , and the West Indies . John F. Szwed & Roger D. Abrahams. 1978. GR103 .S99x 1996.
Unique two volume set provides very full coverage for materials concerning cultural contributions of the African diaspora throughout the Americas .

Afro-American Reference: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected References . Nathaniel Davis. 1985. E185.A11 .D38x 1985.
Thorough but now dated source lists general reference sources, journal abstracts and indexes, bibliographies, guides for a wide variety of subjects. Particularly well-suited for retrospective or historical research.

Black Studies on Disc. (Library only)
This networked CD-ROM provides bibliographic citations to articles, book reviews, books, videos, and other materials pertaining to African American and African diaspora studies; other racial and ethnic minority groups are also covered. Includes an electronic version of the Index to Black Periodicals, as well as the library catalog from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Focus is on the humanities, social sciences and the arts. Coverage for the periodical index is 1989 to the present; African American core scholarly journals and important leisure publications are the focus of the index.

Index to Black Periodicals. Annual, 1950- . REF AI3 .In2211 1984 - .
Indispensable annual periodical index points to articles appearing in roughly 35 African American scholarly journals and well-known magazines. Includes book reviews. IBP has had many variations in its title and call number, but all years from 1950 to the present can be located in the general vicinity of the call number listed above. An electronic version of this index is included in Black Studies on Disc, 1989-present. (Library only)

Kaiser Index to Black Resources, 1948-1986. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. 1992. REF E185.A11 .K35x 1992.
Massive five-volume index from the renowned Schomburg Center points to "periodical literature, published articles and ephemera" on all aspects of the African American experience. Many items may be readily accessible in academic and larger public libraries, or through contacting the Schomburg Center itself.

BIO-BIBLIOGRAPHIES (to locate biographical information on individuals as well as bibliographies for further reading)

Afro-American Fiction Writers after 1955. Thadious Davis & Trudier Harris. 1984. Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 33. REF PS3 .D5x, v. 33.
Long bio-bibliographic essays surveying lives and works of more than forty five major fiction writers of the period, including James Baldwin, Paule Marshall, Toni Morrison, Ishmael Reed, Alice Walker, and others. Includes many photographs and illustrations. Also includes an essay on African American literary critics, and a list of books for further reading.

Afro-American Poets since 1955. Trudier Harris & Thadious Davis. 1985. Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 41. REF PS3 .D5x, v. 41.
Long bio-bibliographic essays surveying lives and works of over fifty important poets of the period; includes many photographs and illustrations.

Afro-American Women Writers, 1746-1933: An Anthology and Critical Guide. Ann Allen Shockley. 1988. PS508.N3 .A36 1988.

Afro-American Writers, 1940-1955. Trudier Harris. 1988. Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 76. REF PS3 .D5x, v. 76.
Long bio-bibliographic essays surveying lives and works of twenty six important writers during this period; includes many photographs and illustrations. Also includes lengthy essays on the Hatch-Billops Collection, Howard University Library's Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, excerpts from the journal Phylon, and a list of books for further reading.

Afro-American Writers after 1955: Dramatists and Prose Writers. Thadious Davis & Trudier Harris. 1985. Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 38. REF PS3 .D5x, v. 38.
Long bio-bibliographic essays surveying lives and works of thirty five important writers during this period; includes many photographs and illustrations. Good coverage of women authors. Also includes lengthy essays on the Black Arts movement, Black theatre, and a supplementary reading list.

Afro-American Writers Before the Harlem Renaissance. Trudier Harris. 1986. Dictionary of Literary Biography, v. 50. REF PS3 .D5x, v. 50.
Long bio-bibliographic essays surveying lives and works of thirty five important writers during this period; includes many photographs and illustrations.

Bibliographical Guide to African-American Women Writers. Casper LeRoy Jordan, comp. 1993. REF PS153.N5 .A11 J67x 1993.
Comprehensive guide organized by author, points to periodical literature, anthologized material, bibliographies, books, and indexes. Spans twentieth century, though most citations date from 1960s to 1993. Excellent companion to Afro-American Women Writers, 1746-1933, Ann Allen Shockley, 1988.

Black Literature Criticism. James P. Draper, ed. 1992. REF PS153.N5 .B556 1992.
Three volumes of lengthy critical essays on major African, African American, and Caribbean authors; includes brief bibliographies.

Black Writers: A Selection of Sketches from Contemporary Authors. Linda Metzger. 1989. REF PS153.N5 .B567x 1989 Note: Second edition currently on order, 6/98
Biographical data, bibliographies accompany mostly medium-length (but occasionally quite long) entries on African, African American, and Caribbean writers, poets, playwrights, scholars, editors, and others. Selected from well-known Contemporary Authors series.

Contemporary African American Novelists: A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook Emmanuel S. Nelson, ed. REF PS374 .N4 C658 1999
Almost 80 African American novelists since the 1950's have been profiled in long, signed and authoritative articles. Each entry includes detailed biographical information, an analysis of major works and themes in the works of each novelist, critical reception, and both primary and secondary bibliographies. Authors profiled range from the very well-known (such as James Baldwin, Toni Cade Bambara, Alice Walker) to younger, emerging authors such as E. Lynn Harris, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Tina McElroy Ansa, and Sapphire. Also includes a general bibliography on the topic of African American novels and novelists.

Contemporary Black American Playwrights and their Plays: A Biographical Directory and Dramatic Index. Bernard L. Peterson, Jr. 1988. REF PS153.N5 .P43 1988.
Comprehensive source includes brief, paragraph-length biographical entries for more than 700 playwrights, with annotated listings of dramatic works and production dates. Appendix lists repositories for unpublished plays from 100 playwrights, and a thorough list of information sources for further research.

Early Black American Playwrights and Dramatic Writers: A Biographical Directory and Catalog of Plays, Films, and Broadcasting Scripts. Bernard L. Peterson, Jr. 1990. REF PS153.N5 .P44 1990.
Covering the 1920's through 1950, this comprehensive source includes brief, paragraph-length biographical entries for 218 playwrights, plus annotated listings of dramatic works and pertinent dates. Appendices include a useful chronology, a list of information sources, and more.

Harlem Renaissance and Beyond: Literary Biographies of 100 Black Women Writers, 1900-1945.
Unique and comprehensive source provides bio-bibliographical information on early twentieth-century women writers. Includes selected bibliographies of primary and secondary sources; some illustrations. Appendices sort authors by genre, geographical region, and date.

BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES (to locate information pertaining to the lives and life stories of specific people)

African American Women: A Biographical Dictionary. Dorothy C. Salem, ed. 1993. REF E185.96 A45 1993.
Signed biographical short essays describe the lives, accomplishments, and significance of prominent African American women. Entries include short bibliographies. Some illustrations.

Black Americans in Autobiography: An Annotated Bibliography of Autobiographies and Autobiographical Books Written Since the Civil War. Russell C. Brignano. 1984. E185.96 .A11 B74x 1984.

Black Biography 1790-1950. R.K. Burkett , N.H. Burkett, & H.L. Gates, Jr., eds. 1991. 3 vols. REF E185.96 A11 B53x 1991.
Massive authoritative index points to entries from Black Biographical Dictionaries 1790-1950, on microfiche. Includes indexes for place of birth, occupation, religion, and gender.

Black Women in America . Darlene Clark Hine, ed. 1993. 2 vols. REF E185.86 B542 1993.
Authoritative encyclopedic source details biographical information on numerous prominent African American women, plus long essays on topics important to an understanding of African American women in the U.S. Includes bibliographies, illustrations.

African American Culture. Sandra Adell, ed. REF E185 A2525 1996
Signed biographical profiles of famous 20th century African Americans in the arts or whose lives have had an impact on 20th century culture, ranging from Mumia Abu-Jamal to Lester Young. Entries range from one paragraph to one page in length; longer entries include select bibliographies for more information and, usually, a photo. Timeline of important cultural events is also included, as are broad profiles of important cultural movements, events, and creative works in literature, television, music, politics, film and drama, and art.

Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. 1996. Jack Salzman, David Lionel Smith and Cornel West, eds. 1996. REF E185 .E54 1996.
Authoritative signed essays profile individuals, regional histories, academic disciplines, and a fascinating range of cultural and historical topics. Roughly two-thirds of all entries in this indispensable five-volume set are biographical.

Facts on File Encyclopedia of Black Women in America . 1997. Darlene Clark Hine, ed. REF E185.96 F2 1997
Eleven volume series profiles prominent African American women throughout history. Each volume focuses on a particular area of achievement, such as Theater Arts and Entertainment, or Business and Professions. Includes many black and white photographs.

Notable Black American Men. Jessie Carney Smith, ed. 1999. REF E185.86 .N68 1999

Lengthy biographical profiles of 500 famous African American men, ranging from artists, sports figures, musicians, scientists, politicians, and many other occupations. Entries are signed, and include short bibliographies and, often, black and white photos.

Notable Black American Women. Jessie Carney Smith, ed. 1992. REF E185.96 N68 1992.
Massive, two volume authoritative source for biographical information on African American women from a wide variety of disciplines and accomplishments. Many illustrations; also includes access by "area of endeavor."

Oxford Companion to African American Literature. William L. Andrews, et al. REF PS153 N5 O96 1997
Encyclopedic guide to African American authors, critics, literary genres, important works, and literary criticism. Authoritative, signed essays.

QBR also known as the Quarterly Black Review of Books. PER RM PS153 N5 A11 B53x
Outstanding new publication provides book reviews, longer review articles, interviews with authors, and other items of interest.

DICTIONARIES (to locate definitions of words, concepts, topics and significant individuals)

Black Talk: Words & Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner. Geneva Smitherman. REF PE3102 .N4 S65 2000

New revision of this collection of vocabulary and slang, some of which may be offensive to some patrons. Includes an introductory essay on "The Africanization of American English."

Dictionary of Afro-American Slavery. Randall M. Miller & John David Smith, eds. 1988. REF E441 .D53 1988.
Comprehensive alphabetic list and signed entries define terms, concepts, associations, and people important to an understanding of African American slavery in the U.S. Includes maps, tables, chronology, brief bibliographies.

DIRECTORIES and GUIDES (to locate addresses and information on organizations, individuals, and topics, or on an entire field of study)

Black History Month Resource Book. 1993. Mary Ellen Snodgrass, ed. 1993. REF E184.7 .B53 1993 Note: Second edition currently on order, 6/98
Lists numerous ideas and activities for celebrating Black History Month, centering on broad themes such as art & architecture, biography, dance, science, and more. Entries indicate age/grade level, how-to procedures, and approximate cost for each activity; brief bibliographies often included. Particularly good for sharing with children and young adults or as introduction.

Schomburg Center Guide to Black Literature from the Eighteenth Century to the Present. REF PS153.N5 S36x 1996
Dictionary list of authors, titles, literary characters, themes and topics important to an understanding of African American and African diaspora literature. Includes bibliographies, illustrations. Some films and directors also treated.

ENCYCLOPEDIC SOURCES (to locate specific facts and information, often on a broad range of topics)

African

America

: Portrait of a People. Kenneth Estell. 1994. REF E185.96 E88x 1994.
Readable, heavily illustrated source highlights four hundred years of African American individuals and leaders in a variety of areas, including Black nationalism, education, performing arts, science and medicine, and more. Well-suited for young adults, as a source of quick information, or an introduction.

The African American Almanac . Kenneth Estell, ed. 1994. (formerly The Negro Almanac, E185.5 .N34). REF E185.5 .N341.
Massive source provides encyclopedic information on a variety of topics including Africans in America 1600-1900, civil rights, national organizations and addresses, law, politics, the family, science and medicine, and much more; includes many photographs.

African American Chronology. Alton Hornsby, Jr. & Deborah Gillan Straub. 1994. REF E185 .H62 1994.
Accessible and readable, includes paragraph-length chronological entries regarding African American history and events; many illustrations. Particularly good for young adults or as introduction.

African American Encyclopedia, Michael W. Williams, ed. 1993. REF E185 .A253 1993.
Accessible and readable, this heavily illustrated encyclopedia provides medium-length articles regarding prominent African Americans, as well as African American history, popular culture, and more; short bibliographies included for some entries. Particularly well-suited for young adults or as introduction.

Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience Kwame Anthony Appiah & Henry Louis Gates, Jr., eds. (REF DT14 A37435 1999)
Massive and lavishly illustrated encyclopedia on African and African diaspora civilization and history, unique for its thoroughly afrocentric approach to all topics. Longer entries are signed, and include brief references to other related articles in the encyclopedia. Includes an unannotated select bibliography, and world maps.

Black Firsts: 2,000 Years of Extraordinary Achievement. Jessie Carney Smith & Carrell Peterson Horton, eds. 1995. REF E185 .H543 1995.
Interesting two-volume chronology includes major sections on arts & entertainment, business, civil rights & protest, education, journalism, science & medicine, and more. Includes years 35 - 1993, keyword index, and chronological calendar of firsts.

Encyclopedia of African-American Education. Faustine C. Jones-Wilson, et al., eds. 1996. REF LC2717 E53 1996
Authoritative signed entries describe important events, individuals, legislation, movements and institutions relevant to African American education issues. Many entries include bibliographies for further reading.

Encyclopedia of African-American Civil Rights: From Emancipation to the Present. Charles D. Lowery & John R. Marszalek, eds. REF E185.61 E54 1992.
Comprehensive alphabetic list and signed entries define terms, concepts, publications, associations, and people important to an understanding of the civil rights era and African America. Includes selected bibliographies, some illustrations.

Muslim Almanac: A Reference Work on the History, Faith, Culture and Peoples of Islam. Azim A. Nanji, ed. 1996. REF BP40 .M83 1996.
Arranged by topic and by geographic region, authoritative signed essays discuss Islam and the diversity of Islamic beliefs, intellectual life, traditions, and more. African American Muslims, the Nation of Islam, and Sufism in the U.S. are also discussed within the broader context of Islamic beliefs. Includes illustrations, glossary of terms, topical and general bibliographies, distribution of Muslim populations by nation/state, a chronology, and more.

Reference Library of Black America . Kenneth Estell, ed. REF E185 R44x, 1994
Five volume set provides a wealth of information on broad topics such as African American history, law and politics, education, women, art, business, the family, language, music, theater, film, and more. Includes bibliographies and illustrations.

Historical Statistics of Black America . Jessie Carney Smith & Carrell Peterson Horton, eds. 1995. REF E185 .H543 1995.
Massive two-volume tool for locating statistics from the eighteenth century to 1975 on business & economics, education, and more.