Elijah McCoy overcame many obstacles to become a renowned inventor who paved the way for others.

This is the story of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first black senator in the United States.

Bibi and her family escape their plantation and journey to a better life.

This image group features portraits of Frederick Douglass, Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano, who all learned to read and write while they were enslaved. Each used their gifts to help end slavery.

These images show some of the many African Americans who fought or worked for the Union Army in the Civil War.

Thomas was born into slavery and lived a harsh life, but he was finally able to escape and reunite with his family.

William Wells Brown was born into slavery and later escaped to become one of the foremost supporters of abolition.

Mary loves Sunday mornings and the spirituals that give her and Mama hope.

Patty, a young enslaved girl, shares some insight about life on a South Carolina plantation.

Nat Turner was an American freedom fighter who led one of history’s most successful revolts by enslaved people in Southampton County, VA.