PBS
Inside the African American studies class praised by some and fiercely opposed by others
The school year is coming to a close and with it, the first year of Advanced Placement African American studies, an interdisciplinary class by the College Board that has attracted praise from professors and also fierce opposition from...
Be Smart
The TRUE Story of Ben Franklin & His Kite
You’ve probably heard of Ben Franklin and the kite. But do you know the TRUE story of how his famous experiment changed the world? Here’s the tale of how one person’s quest for scientific knowledge altered the direction of history.
PBS
How This Year's Antiracism Protests Differ From Past Social Justice Movements
Philadelphia protests over the killing of Walter Wallace Jr. represent only
the latest in a year of nationwide demonstrations against racism and police
violence. The ongoing movement has captured attention and provided
political...
PBS
Journalist Terence Smith Reflects On Decades Of Reporting On American Presidents, Wars
On our bookshelf tonight, NewsHour's old friend and former longtime media
correspondent Terence Smith's memoir: "Four Wars, Five Presidents: A
Reporter's Journey from Jerusalem to Saigon to the White House." Smith
spoke with Judy...
PBS
History of Supreme Court Vacancies
In a prelude to the expected battle over the next Supreme Court justice nomination, an historian explains the selection and confirmation process and the past battles between Congress and the president.
PBS
The little-known story of the Republican Party’s 1st presidential nominee
In a new book, NPR’s Steve Inskeep has chronicled the little-known story of how the illegitimate son of an immigrant rose to become the Republican Party’s first presidential nominee in 1856 -- with a lot of help from his wife. Lisa...
PBS
Taylor Branch: Pillar of Fire
Taylor Branch, author of "Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years, 1963-1965" discusses Martin Luther King Jr.'s spiritual and political legacy.
PBS
Looking Back In History To Help Inform And Improve Future Race Relations Extended Interview
Daily reports of disturbing racial incidents and what appear to be
deepening racial divisions within the country leave many looking for
answers. Special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault recently spoke with
Dr. Ronald Crutcher, a...
PBS
Michael Beschloss (2007 Author Interview)
Book:Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989
PBS
Reparations and why America’s past still shapes the present
A House subcommittee held hearings Wednesday morning to discuss paying reparations to African Americans for slavery. The idea is shaping up to be an issue with some of the candidates running for the 2020 Democratic presidential...
PBS
Book Offers Portrait of Prolific Photographer Who Captured Native American Lives (Nov. 22, 2012)
Backed by Theodore Roosevelt, Edward Curtis set out in 1900 to document the lives of Native Americans. Over the next 30 years, he took more than 40,000 pictures and 10,000 audio recordings. Jeffrey Brown talks to Pulitzer Prize winner...
PBS
New Book ‘Myth America’ Examines Misinformation In U.S. History
In a new book, Kevin Kruse and Julian Zelizer assemble a team of fellow historians to push back on what they see as the biggest myths and rampant misinformation about major issues facing this country and some of its most defining...
Crash Course
The Big Bang: Crash Course Big History
In which John Green, Hank Green, and Emily Graslie teach you about, well, everything. Big History is the history of everything. We're going to start with the Big Bang, take you right through all of history (recorded and otherwise), and...
TED Talks
TED: The mission to safeguard Black history in the US | Julieanna L. Richardson
Black history in the US is rich, profound -- and at risk of being lost forever, if not for the monumental efforts of Julieanna L. Richardson. As the founder of The HistoryMakers -- the largest national archive of African American...
Crash Course
The Black Women's Club Movement Crash Course Black American History
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black American Women were struggling with both racism and misogyny as they fought for their rights. Black Women formed clubs and organized to make sure civil and political rights were extended...
TED Talks
TED: There's no such thing as not voting | eric Liu
Many people like to talk about how important voting is, how it's your civic duty and responsibility as an adult. eric Liu agrees with all that, but he also thinks it's time to bring joy back to the ballot box. The former political...
TED Talks
TED: A one-man world summit | Rory Bremner
Scottish funnyman Rory Bremner convenes a historic council on the TEDGlobal stage -- as he lampoons Gordon Brown, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and a cast of other world leaders with his hilarious impressions and biting commentary. See if...
Crash Course
Frederick Douglass Crash Course Black American History
Clint Smith teaches you about one of the most famous writers, orators, and advocates of the 19th century, Frederick Douglass. Douglass was born in slavery, escaped to the North, and became one of the most influential people of his time....
Crash Course
The War of 1812 - Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and its former colonial overlord England. It started in, you guessed it 1812. The war lasted until 1815, and it resolved very...
Crash Course
Reconstruction and 1876 Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about Reconstruction. After the divisive, destructive Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had a plan to reconcile the country and make it whole again. Then he got shot, Andrew Johnson took over, and the...
Crash Course
World War II Part 2 - The Homefront Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about World War 2, as it was lived on the home front. You'll learn about how the war changed the country as a whole, and changed how Americans thought about their country. John talks about the government...
TED Talks
Jennifer 8. Lee: The hunt for General Tso
Reporter Jennifer 8. Lee talks about her hunt for the origins of familiar Chinese-American dishes -- exploring the hidden spots where these two cultures have (so tastily) combined to form a new cuisine.
TED Talks
Anna Deavere Smith: Four American characters
Writer and actor Anna Deavere Smith gives life to author Studs Terkel, convict Paulette Jenkins, a Korean shopkeeper and a bull rider, excerpts from her solo show "On the Road: A Search for American Character."
Crash Course
The Roaring 20's Crash Course US History
In which John Green teaches you about the United States in the 1920s. They were known as the roaring 20s, but not because there were lions running around everywhere. In the 1920s, America's economy was booming, and all kinds of social...