In proud partnership with The Buffalo History Museum and the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Buffalo Toronto Public Media is presenting a community engagement project titled, Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom & Becoming Frederick Douglass. This project includes a screening event of each film at The Buffalo History Museum and an interactive and engaging Black History location map of Western New York and Southern Ontario.

Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom is a rich and nuanced portrait of the woman known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. The film goes beyond the legend of Tubman to explore what motivated her — including divine inspiration — to become one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.

Curriculum on PBS LearningMedia

The Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom PBS LearningMedia collection of film-based inquiry modules are designed to enhance learning and supplement the teaching of a variety of topics and skills. Powered by historical material and compelling documentary footage, students and educators engage with resources that inspire inquiry, empathy, reflection, and social change.

Use this collection of classroom resources to:

• Build connections between the past and present, and promote student discovery.
• Develop historical empathy, historical thinking skills, and social emotional competencies using primary source analysis.
• Deepen students' perspectives around social justice, empathy and equality.

Becoming Frederick Douglass is the inspiring story of how a man born into slavery became one of the most prominent statesmen and influential voices for democracy in American history. Born in 1818 in Maryland, he escaped from slavery in 1838 and went on to become the most well-known leader of the abolitionist movement. A gifted writer and powerful, charismatic orator, it is estimated that more Americans heard Douglass speak than any other 19th-century figure — Black or white. The documentary explores how Douglass controlled his own image and narrative, embracing photography as a tool for social justice, and the role he played in securing the right to freedom and complete equality for African Americans. 

Curriculum on PBS LearningMedia

 

Using Becoming Frederick Douglass, engage students in critical analysis of Frederick Douglass' life and impact as a gifted writer, powerful orator, and influential voice in the fight for equality and freedom. From his self-emancipation from enslavement in Baltimore, Maryland to prominent statesman, Frederick Douglass understood the impact of media to shape personal identity. A leader of the abolitionist movement and the most photographed man of 19th-century America, he continues to influence social activism today.

Use this collection of standards-aligned classroom resources to:

• Build connections between the past and present, and promote student discovery.
• Develop historical empathy, historical thinking skills, and social emotional competencies using primary source analysis.
• Deepen students' perspectives around social justice, empathy and equality.

This companion guide will help you navigate the complexities of discussing the histories and legacies of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, which continue to shape our world. Find tips for organizing a successful event, including a five-step framework for facilitating productive dialogue around the films and engagement strategies to inspire and foster a participatory event for general audience members and college students alike.

Western New York and Southern Ontario have profound cultural and historical roots in Black history and contain a multitude of cultural and business centers, community organizations, and historic locations. To celebrate the significance and influence of Black history and culture in our region, we have put together an interactive map of historic sites for the community to learn about and visit these significant spaces in history. Click on the icon at the top left of the map will reveal the list.  Click on each location to explore.