Use these starting points to understand the contributions and history of Black Americans in the United States. From research resources, recommended books, inspiring movies and documentaries to informative websites, our guide is a great entry point to understanding the generational challenges faced by Black Americans.
Library Resources
Black Life in America
This collection of news is sourced from 19,000+ American and global news sources, including over 400 Black publications from 1704 to today!
African-American History
Get in-depth information on the people, events, and topics important to the study of African-American history!
Key Films Reflecting Black Culture
Key titles exploring topics, events and stories shaping the Black experience in America. Available on Kanopy, our streaming provider.
Black History of Burlington County
Burlington County African American Historic Sites Tour Guide
A tour of historic sites in Burlington County reflecting 400+ years of Black history in New Jersey.
Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still
The autobiography of Dr. James Still, the Black doctor of the Pines, available at the Internet Archive.
Timbuctoo and the First Emancipation of the Early-Nineteenth
Article about Timbuctoo, an unincorporated community of freed Black slaves in Westampton Township, New Jersey by Guy Weston.
Websites to Know
In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience
Thirteen defining migrations of African Americans that transformed the nation from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Digital Public Library of America: African Americans
Primary source collections exploring topics in African American history, literature and culture developed by educators.
Picturing Black History
Photographs and stories of oppression and resistance, perseverance and resilience, freedom dreams, imagination and joy from Getty Images.
Black Freedom Struggle in the United States
Over 3000 primary source documents focused on six phases of Black Freedom and the long struggle from enslavement in American History.
Our Reading Recommendations
Celebrating Black History Through Books
Learn about the profound accomplishments and contributions of Black people in American history.
Dreams of Equality: MLK Jr.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Civil Rights Activist, MLK Jr. with these books!
Writings & Reflections on the Black Experience
In these titles, leading thought-leaders discuss, document, synthesize and celebrate Black life in America.