Nat Turner

On August 21, 1831, Nathaniel Turner launched one of the most historic revolts to end enslavement. Below are lessons and other resources on the long history of resistance to enslavement. We also recommend an essay by Professor Molefi Kete Asante on the popular representation of Turner, called “The Real Nat Turner” and The Resurrection of Nat Turner: Parts 1 and 2 by Sharon Ewell Foster. Find a large collection of digitized primary documents at the Nat Turner Project.

collage of six Black abolitionists in the United States.

‘If There Is No Struggle…’: Teaching a People’s History of the Abolition Movement

Teaching Activity. By Bill Bigelow. 16 pages. Rethinking Schools. In this role play, students become American Anti-Slavery Society members, facing many of the real challenges to ending slavery faced by actual abolitionists.

Teaching Activity by Bill Bigelow

Slavery and Defiance

Teaching Guide. By Gayle Olson-Raymer. Questions and teaching ideas for Chapter 9 of Voices of a People's History of the United States on black and white resistance to slavery before the Civil War.

Unsung Heroes (Lesson) | Zinn Education Project

Unsung Heroes: Encouraging Students to Appreciate Those Who Fought for Social Justice

Teaching Activity. Essay by Howard Zinn and lesson by Bill Bigelow. 17 pages. Rethinking Schools. Students research and share stories about unsung heroes in U.S. history.

Teaching Activity by Bill Bigelow

Slave Catchers, Slave Resisters

Film. Produced by Judy Richardson, Northern Light Productions for History Channel. 2005. 100 min. Documentary on the many rebellions by enslaved people and other forms of resistance.

Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America

Book - Non-fiction. By Lerone Bennett Jr. 1988. A detailed history and analysis of African American history in the United States.

Africans in America: America’s Journey Through Slavery

Website. A companion site to the PBS documentary on the origins and legacy of American slavery, including episodes on the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.