Black Aesthetics 101
Explore the rich contributions of Black artists, musicians, and dramatists in this engaging and interactive class.
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 throughout the classLetter Grade
1 after class completionClass Experience
Beginner Level
What will be taught: A historical and cultural overview of Black contributions to the arts. Topics: Key movements (e.g., Harlem Renaissance), influential figures (e.g., Jacob Lawrence, Lorraine Hansberry, Duke Ellington), and aesthetic principles. Structure: Combination of discussion, multimedia presentations, and creative projects. Teaching style: Interactive and discussion-based, fostering critical thinking and engagement. Experience required: None. Late enrollments: Welcome with access to class notes and summaries to catch up.
Learning Goals
Understand key historical movements in Black art, music, and drama.Identify major contributors and their impact on culture and society.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: Introduction to Black Aesthetics
Topics Covered:
Defining Black Aesthetics: What is it and why does it matter?
W.E.B. Du Bois vs. Alain Locke: The debate on Black art’s purpose
The role of art in resistance and identity
Activities:
Read excerpts from The Souls of Black Folk (Du Bois) and The New Negro (Locke)
Class discussion: "Should Black art be political or just art?"
Watch short clips of Black artists discussing their work Lesson 2:
Week 2: The Great Migration & Harlem Renaissance
Topics Covered:
The impact of migration on Black artistic expression
Harlem as the epicenter of Black creativity
Key figures: Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington
Activities:
Analyze Harlem Renaissance poetry (The Negro Speaks of Rivers – Langston Hughes)
Listen to jazz from the era & discuss its influence
Group project: Create a Harlem Renaissance-style poem or visual piece Lesson 3:
Week 3: Black Visual Arts & Photography
Topics Covered:
The role of Black painters and photographers in shaping narratives
Artists like Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, and Gordon Parks
The power of imagery in documenting Black life.
Activities:
Explore and analyze paintings from the Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence
Compare Gordon Parks' photography to modern visual storytelling
Create a photo essay capturing Black life today Lesson 4:
Week 4: The Black Arts Movement (1960s-70s)
Topics Covered:
Art as activism during the Civil Rights & Black Power era
Key figures: Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez
The rise of Black-owned media & theater
Activities:
Read and discuss poetry from the Black Arts Movement
Watch a scene from Dutchman (Amiri Baraka) & analyze themes
Write a short spoken-word piece inspired by the era Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class includes discussions on historical topics such as racism, systemic oppression, and the struggle for civil rights, which may be sensitive for some learners. All content will be presented in an age-appropriate and respectful manner, with an emphasis on fostering understanding, empathy, and critical thinking.
Media content, such as poetry, art, and music from the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights Era, is historically significant but may reference themes of inequality and resistance. These materials do not contain graphic or violent imagery.
No third-party tools requiring separate accounts will be used. All resources, including videos and readings, will be shared within the classroom platform. If you have concerns about any topics or materials, please reach out before the class begins.
Pre-Requisites
Supply List
Notebook and pen/pencil Access to PDFs and links provided by the instructor
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Books:
- The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
- Selected poetry from The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (excerpts)
Articles:
- Scholarly articles on the Harlem Renaissance and Black Aesthetic movements from JSTOR and other academic platforms.
- Excerpts from essays by Alain Locke, "The New Negro."
Websites:
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu)
- Poetry Foundation profiles on Langston Hughes and other key figures.
- Library of Congress archives (loc.gov) for multimedia and historical documents.
Multimedia:
- Jazz and Blues recordings from artists like Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith.
- Artwork by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and other iconic figures from the Harlem Renaissance.
- Clips from historical documentaries (e.g., PBS’s The Great Depression for context on art and culture during the period).
Joined January, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a Howard University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. I minored in Political Science and focused on advertising within the School of Communications. During my time at Howard, I explored the intersections of culture, history, and art, specifically analyzing the impact of Black aesthetics on global narratives.
In addition to my academic training, I have written and published content focused on Black history and cultural movements, including a piece titled "Black Aesthetics" in 2011, which examined the origins of the Black Aesthetic movement, its key figures, and its lasting influence on society. I am also the founder and editor of the online magazine BLCK LVKE, which centers on Pan-Africanism and Black culture, highlighting issues such as reparations, financial independence, and the role of Black contributions in global industries.
As an educator, I have experience creating engaging, discussion-based environments for learners of all ages. I am skilled at making complex historical and cultural topics relatable and accessible. My passion for teaching is deeply rooted in my lived experiences growing up in South Los Angeles, where I witnessed the profound cultural richness of Black communities. This background inspires me to bring authenticity, inclusivity, and creativity to every lesson I teach.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$7
weekly8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 11-14
