William Brashler, journalist and author discusses his novel "Bingo Long's Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings". Mr Brashler converses with Studs about his research for the novel and the players he had spoken with to gather information for the book. The novel tells the story of a baseball team that revolts from a tyrannical Negro League owner and spends the 1939 season barnstorming around the Midwest. Includes two excerpts of a Cool Papa Bell interview talking about their travel as "barnstormers". Studs and Mr Brashler read several exchanges of dialogue from the book.

British historian and writer Basil Davidson discusses Africa and his book "Lost Cities of Africa." Part 1. Part two of this recording also features Anne Graham Bell and Tony Mott discussing London's youth while Studs was in England. They are not included here, in part 1.

British historian and writer Basil Davidson discusses Africa and his book "Lost Cities of Africa," part 2. This recording also includes a discussion with Anne Graham Bell and Tony Mott about London's youth (recorded while Studs was in England) beginning at 00:20:14. Mott and Bell portion of the interview cuts off abruptly at the end.

Langston Hughes, John Sellers, James Cotton, and Otis Spann discuss their origins and blues music. The interview focuses heavily on Langston Hughes and how deeply he is influenced by the blues. Hughes also discusses his upcoming book "An African Treasury" at length.

Studs Terkel interviews writer Toni Morrison. This interview begins with a reading from the book, "Sula" by Morrison quickly followed by a musical excerpt, "Fine and Mellow" sung by Billie Holiday. Morrison continues to read excerpts from her novel "Sula" and discusses her literature.

Includes Angelou reading the poem "When I Think About Myself" and excerpts from "Gather Together in My Name." Angelou discusses her life including: her family; lovers; past jobs; and African American culture and experiences. Additionally including excerpts of songs of the vocalist Billie Holiday singing , "Travelin' Light" and "God Bless the Child."

Discussing the book "Race hoss: big Emma's boy" with the author Albert Race Sample.

Trinidadian historian Dr. C.L.R. James discusses his book "The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution." The book was originally published in 1938. At the end of the interview, the song "Voodoo American: Bya Bulako" by Michel LaRue is played (00:46:26-00:51:

Ralph Ellison, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his book "Invisible Man," discusses his early life and education and his life as a writer and lifetime scholar. He speaks on being a musician (trumpet), the joy of music and the Church and how they fit into the lives of African Americans.

Discussing the book "Ma Rainey, mother of the blues" with the author Sandra Lieb.

Richard G. Hatcher and Alexander Poinsett discuss Gary, Indiana, their book "Black Power: Gary Style," politics, and race relations. They discuss the corruption in Gary, Indiana and Gary politics. Includes Richard G. Hatcher reading his old speech from his book "Black Power: Gary Style."

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Using the backdrop of James Baldwin's "Nobody Knows My Name" and Baldwin's feelings that Blacks were ashamed of where they came from, Terkel interviews Professor and Chairman of the Political Science Department of Roosevelt University on his book coauthored with Stokely Carmichael entitled" Black Power: Politics of Liberation in America". Hamilton states that Blacks were taught to hate themselves and leave school believing that. Institutional racism and the deliberate oppression it creates, holds blacks back. Blacks are left out of crucial decision making processes that concern them.

Discussing the book "Shannon" with the author Gordon Parks.

Poet Maya Angelou and journalist Tom Wicker discuss life in the U.S. South and how the region’s history has shaped its culture. Topics of discussion include social dynamics and race in the South, the concept of “home” and what it means to return to one’s roots, and religion in the South. Angelou reads excerpts of her poetry, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” and shares spiritual songs from her childhood.