Extended Trailer
Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the nation’s most influential leaders.
Watch with
Passport is our extended library of captivating dramas, inspiring arts performances, thoughtful documentaries, trusted news and more. Donate to support public media in your local community and enjoy the member benefit of Passport.
Donate and start streaming
Already a member?
Sign in or activate your account using the email address associated with your membership.
Becoming Frederick Douglass
Young Frederick Douglass Goes to Baltimore
Young Frederick Douglass Goes to Baltimore
Young Frederick Douglass is sent to work in the overseer’s house where he learns to read.
Vibes:
Sponsorship
A First Look at 'Becoming Frederick Douglass'
The filmmakers discuss the life of Frederick Douglass.
The filmmakers discuss the life of Frederick Douglass.
The Fugitive Slave Law
The new law empowers the government to capture and return previously enslaved people.
The new law empowers the government to capture and return previously enslaved people.
The Abolitionists
A brilliant orator, Douglass becomes famous for his moving speeches against slavery.
A brilliant orator, Douglass becomes famous for his moving speeches against slavery.
Battling the Slave Breaker
The young, rebellious Douglass is sent to the brutal “slave breaker,” Edward Covey.
The young, rebellious Douglass is sent to the brutal “slave breaker,” Edward Covey.
Douglass and the Photograph
Douglass uses the power of his image to challenge white stereotypes of African Americans.
Douglass uses the power of his image to challenge white stereotypes of African Americans.
The North Star
Douglass starts the newspaper The North Star, an independent Black voice for abolition.
Douglass starts the newspaper The North Star, an independent Black voice for abolition.
Anna Murray
Douglass meets Anna Murray and they plot his escape to the North to build a life together.
Douglass meets Anna Murray and they plot his escape to the North to build a life together.
Young Frederick Douglass Goes to Baltimore
Young Frederick Douglass is sent to work in the overseer’s house where he learns to read.
Young Frederick Douglass is sent to work in the overseer’s house where he learns to read.