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

James Baldwin discusses his book "Another Country" and his trip to Africa. Mr.Baldwin and Studs speak about his place in social reform and his fight for civil rights for all.

William Bradford Huie discusses his novel The Klansman. Includes recordings of interviews from Rev. Paschal Carlton, an unknown Alabama cab driver, and an unknown woman of Birmingham, Alabama. Includes songs "Be A Man, Join the Klan," and "Move Them Niggers North."

Discussing the book "Manchild in the Promised Land" with Claude Brown. Brown also discusses growing up in Harlem, New York as an African American man. Includes a clip of a man speaking from the county jail. Includes a song sung by Mahalia Jackson. Includes a clip of children singing.

Writer and poet Maya Angelou talks about her life, Creole influences, and her book “Gather Together in My Name” with Studs Terkel. Angelou reads an excerpt from the book and the recording opens with Angelou reading one of her poems.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Angelou discusses her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and recites "When I Think About Myself." She talks about growing up in Stamps, Arkansas, and her family. Copyrighted material has been removed.

Terkel comments and reads from The man who lived underground

Discussing the book "Divine Days" (published by Another Chicago Press) with author Leon Forrest.

Charlemae Hill Rollins and Studs Terkel read from "The Christmas Gif" and discuss it's importance in African American literature. The book is an anthology of Christmas poems, songs, and stories, written by and about Negroes, and compiled by librarian Charlemae Hill Rollins. The book was first published in 1963.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.