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."

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

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

Discussing the book "Let the trumpets sound: a biography of Martin Luther King" with the author Stephen B. Oates.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

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.

Author and social critic, Lillian Eugenia Smith, briefly discusses how readers of her books such as "Strange Fruit" and "Killers of the Dream" are deleting the horrors of her writings and making her sweet and she feels punished by this. She believes she is her books and if her books are cruel and nasty and complex, she is too.

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.