Abolition: The Friendship of Frederick Douglass and John Brown | Watch & Wonder Weekly Highlight

Tuesday, December 6, 1 PM

For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature the film Abolition: The Friendship of Frederick Douglass and John Brown. After watching, dive deeper with resources about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass on PBS LearningMedia.

Abolition: The Friendship of Frederick Douglass and John Brown is the story of two friends. John Brown – he whose “body lies a-mouldering in the grave” – who led the raid on Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, a major stepping stone toward the War. And Frederick Douglass who was born a slave in Maryland, escaped to freedom at 20, and became an important voice in America. In this film, the bond and strife between these two men is explored in an intimate re-imagination of the era.

PBS LearningMedia

Becoming Frederick Douglass Collection

Grades 6-12
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.

In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!

Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!