African Americans have had a huge impact on American literature. African American artists have helped shape what Americans read and hear. Though many of these writers dealt with hardships and terror, they used their art to express themselves and help others in similar situations. We will be looking at www.timeforkids.com. Click on each author’s picture to read about and discover his or her work. Then answer the questions below to show what you have learned!

  Phyllis Wheatly

  Maya Angelou

Answer each question below based on what you read, or go back and re-read to find out the answers.

1. What did Phyllis Wheatley receive that most other slaves did not at that time?

 

a.) A horse b.) An education c.) A bed

 

2. Why did Frederick Douglass stop his education?

a.) he had to work for his master’s wife b.) His master moved c.) His master thought that

3. Who made Zora Neal Hurston famous when she rediscovered Hurston’s work?

a.) Langston Hughes b.) Alice Walker c.) Harriet Tubman

4. Why is Maya Angelou famous?

a.) She was the first woman to write a book b.) She publishes poetry c.) She paints

5. What do all of these African Americans have in common?

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