This Juneteenth, Learn About African-American History
Looking for resources to commemorate Juneteenth and explore the history of African-American freedom and justice? Infobase is here to help. Learn about African-American history with our dedicated database, filled with expert-curated content. Our video on demand solutions also offer a wide range of content. Access Video On Demand is one option. Films On Demand, is another. Together, these collections cover African-American history from slavery in colonial times to today’s civil rights struggles. These resources will teach users about key historical topics and help them become better researchers and critical thinkers.
We’ve highlighted a few videos on our streaming platforms. You can share them with researchers who want to learn more. They focus on the struggle for racial equality. NOTE: Not all titles are available on both platforms or in all countries. Some of these titles contain mature themes or content—viewer discretion is advised.
Must-Watch Videos to Learn About African American History
Great Migrations: A People on the Move Series (PBS, 2025)
This series explores the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society. From the waves of Black Americans moving North, and later back South, over the last century, the film shows a lasting pattern. Today, more immigrants arrive from Africa and the Caribbean. The film shows that movement is a defining part of the Black experience.
Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches (HBO®, 2022)
Inspired by David Blight’s Pulitzer Prize winning biography, this documentary brings his words to life. He is our nation’s best-known anti-slavery activist. Actors Nicole Beharie, Colman Domingo, Jonathan Majors, Denzel Whitaker, and Jeffrey Wright draw from five of Douglass’ famous speeches. They show different moments from the turbulent history of 19th-century America.
American Coup: Wilmington 1898 (PBS, 2024)
American Coup: Wilmington 1898 tells the story of a deadly race massacre. It also covers a carefully planned insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898. Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence. They aimed to destroy Black political and economic power. They also overthrew Wilmington’s democratically elected, multi-racial government.
Social Justice (Talking Black in America) (NC State University, 2025)
This program exposes language discrimination and its lifelong effects on Black speakers. It covers education, work, housing, health care, the legal system, and more. The program also celebrates Black language as a source of strength and unity in the fight against oppression. It also highlights its vital and dynamic influence worldwide.
The Civil War’s Lost Massacre (Secrets of the Dead) (PBS, 2024)
Originally, Camp Nelson was a supply depot for Union forces in Kentucky. During the Civil War, it became a training site for 10,000 Black soldiers. In the war’s last months, these soldiers were attacked by bitter Southerners. Their remains have never been found. Now a team is dedicated to finding them. The team aims to honor their service and heroism.
The Riot Report (PBS, 2024)
When Black neighborhoods across America erupted in violence in the summer of 1967, President Johnson appointed a commission. It aimed to learn what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it. The bipartisan commission’s final report gave a blunt, unvarnished view of American race relations. It would send its findings into political oblivion.
The History of Black Voting Rights (TMW Media, 2024)
This program explores the profound impact of the Black American vote on American democracy. It explores key moments in history and today’s movements that show how Black voters shape the nation. The program explores the struggles, courage, and triumphs in the fight for Black voting rights. It highlights key events like the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom (PBS, 2022)
Go beyond the legend and meet the woman who repeatedly risked her life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. One of the greatest freedom fighters in U.S. history, Tubman was an Underground Railroad conductor. She was also a Civil War scout, nurse, and spy. Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and Nicole London, the film is narrated by Emmy® Award-winner Alfre Woodard.
Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands (American Masters Series, PBS, 2022)
Explore the life, career, art, and legacy of the African-American contralto and civil rights pioneer Marian Anderson. Anchored by key performances in her career, Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands shows her quiet genius. It also shows how her breathtaking voice opened doors for Black classical performers. Her voice also helped strengthen the fight for civil rights.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song (PBS Series, 2021)
Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., this series tells the story of an important institution. It is a key part of African American history. Beginning with enslavement, Henry guides viewers through time. He moves through emancipation, Jim Crow, the Great Migration, and the civil rights movement. He ends in the present day. Along the way, he highlights key events, vivid figures, political debates, and musical traditions. These forces shaped the Black Church, and the Black Church shaped them. The series also explores the complexity of these spaces of worship at a time when many believe it is at a crossroads. A chorus of leading scholars, ministers, and cultural influencers who grew up in the Black Church will weigh in and give meaning to events past and present.
Gospel (PBS Series, 2024)
From acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr., “Gospel” explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have driven sound innovation for more than a century. While musical styles come and go, one sound stays strong and steady each Sunday: gospel.
Becoming Frederick Douglass (PBS, 2022)
Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the most influential voices for democracy in U.S. history. A talented writer and engaging speaker, Douglass likely spoke to more Americans than anyone else in the 1800s. This was true for both Black and white audiences. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and Nicole London, the film features the voice of actor Wendell Pierce as Douglass.
Black Action Figures (Numeric Pictures, 2023)
This is a short documentary about representation, connection, and the power of seeing yourself included in popular culture. It features Duro Wicks sharing part of his personal doll collection. He talks about his motivation, process, and passion. He aims to find and collect Black action figures.
District Greenwood: The Amalgamated People (Filmhub, 2023)
In 1921, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the richest Black communities in the United States. People also called it Black Wall Street. This documentary charts that history and explores the lessons from this time period that can be applied today.
