TED Talks
Michelle Kuo: The healing power of reading
Reading and writing can be acts of courage that bring us closer to others and ourselves. Author Michelle Kuo shares how teaching reading skills to her students in the Mississippi Delta revealed the bridging power of the written word --...
TED-Ed
Debunking the myth of the Lost Cause: A lie embedded in American history | Karen L. Cox
In the 1860's, 11 southern states withdrew from the United States and formed the Confederacy. They seceded in response to the growing movement for the nationwide abolition of slavery. Yet barely a year after the Civil War ended, southern...
Crash Course
Slavery in the American Colonies Crash Course Black American History
In the 17th century, as the British colonies in the Americas were getting established in places like Jamestown, VA, the system of chattel slavery was also developing. Today, we'll learn about the role that slavery played in early...
Crash Course
19th Century Reforms Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about various reform movements in the 19th century United States. From Utopian societies to the Second Great Awakening to the Abolition movement, American society was undergoing great changes in the first...
Crash Course
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 Crash Course Black American History
One of the ways that the US Constitution baked the institution of slavery into the very core of the new United States was through the fugitive slave clause. The clause required that people who escaped slavery be returned to their...
Makematic
Abolitionism
The American Anti-Slavery Society was the country's first major national abolitionist organization. Founded in 1833, it raised awareness of the atrocities of slavery - but as time went on, factions emerged within the group.
Wonderscape
The Story of Negro History Week: A Legacy of Recognition
Learn about the origins of Negro History Week, founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to honor the rich history of Black people. Discover how this week grew into the celebration we know today as Black History Month, inspiring pride and...
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass: From Enslaved to Statesman
Follow the journey of Frederick Douglass, from his early years in enslavement to becoming a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. Learn about his role as an advisor to President Lincoln, his powerful writings, and his impact on the...
Wonderscape
Harriet Tubman: Conductor of Freedom
Learn about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, the woman who led over 300 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Discover her bravery during the Civil War and her dedication to justice and equality. 10 Most...
Wonderscape
The Early Voting Rights Struggles in the United States
This video explores the history of voting rights in the United States, focusing on the exclusion of many groups, such as women, Black Americans, and Native Americans, during the country's early years. It highlights the work of key...
Curated Video
Emancipation Proclamation
Issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln almost three years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation played a crucial role in ending slavery across the United States and defining the principles that still govern the country today.
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass: Impact and Activism During the Civil War Era
This video explores Frederick Douglass' significant contributions during the Civil War period. It details his strategic moves to secure his freedom, his travels in Great Britain advocating against slavery, and his return to America as a...
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass' Journey to Freedom in the North
This video outlines Frederick Douglass' significant experiences in the North after escaping slavery. It covers his initial challenges in New York City, his move to New Bedford, Massachusetts, marriage to Anna Murray, and the adoption of...
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass in Baltimore: Path to Freedom
This video traces Frederick Douglass' transformative years in Baltimore, from his arrival as a young slave to his strategic planning for escape. It highlights his learning journey, the influence of "The Colombian Orator," and his...
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass: Early Years and Path to Activism
This video recounts the early life of Frederick Douglass, born a slave in Maryland in 1818. It highlights his challenging childhood, separation from his mother, and harsh experiences under slavery. The narrative connects his life story...
Wonderscape
Frederick Douglass: Influential Years and Legacy
This video highlights Frederick Douglass' pivotal roles in the Civil War and later years, including his advocacy with Abraham Lincoln, efforts for equal rights for Black soldiers, and his influential governmental positions. It emphasizes...
Curated Video
Brave Americans Battle Injustice
Dr. Forrester teaches about the injustices of slavery and denial of women’s right to vote. She introduces famous Americans who fought against these unfair practices.
Curated Video
Susan Clark Holley: Breaking Barriers in Education
Facing racial barriers in 19th-century Iowa, Susan Clark Holley’s legal battle pioneered school desegregation, laying early groundwork for the monumental Brown v. Board of Education case.
Curated Video
Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Antislavery Activist
The first Black newspaper editor in the history of the United States, Mary Ann Shadd Cary spoke out to champion the cause of freedom in an era when the voices of African Americans were rarely heard.
Curated Video
Ernestine Rose
A pioneering suffragette and free thinker, Ernestine Rose was way ahead of her time. Described as the “first Jewish feminist”, she used her voice to campaign for women’s rights and improve the lives of millions.
Mr. Beat
The Life and Times of John Brown
Was John Brown a hero or terrorist? The answer is not so simple. In this documentary, Mr. Beat examines the life and times of the most (in)famous abolitionist in history.
Cerebellum
The Abolitionists: 1832-1844 - The Constitution Of The American Anti-slavery Society 1833
National Expansion (1832-1848) American democracy has a lineage of written records that we can trace to show the development of our nation, and how each document builds on those before it to make our foundation of freedom stronger. In...
Brainwaves Video Anthology
Nilgün Anadolu-Okur - Dismantling Slavery
Nilgün Anadolu-Okur is an associate professor at Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts, and the director of African American Studies undergraduate program. Her publications include Dismantling Slavery: Frederick Douglass, William...
Curated Video
Frederick Douglass' Composite Nation
Abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass believed that the U.S. could become the greatest nation in history – if it accepted the defining principles set out in his speech, Composite Nation.