Studs Terkel presents a program in honor of the birthday of abolitionist and African American leader Frederick Douglass, including excepts from Terkel's 1964 interview with African-American scholar, author and social historian Lerone Bennett. Terkel reads at length from Douglass' autobiography, "My Bondage and My Freedom," focusing on Douglass' interactions with slave owners Hugh and Sophia Auld.

Folk singer Odetta joins Studs to talk about her life and music, including her songs "Riding in My Car (Car Song)," "Gallows Pole," and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," among others.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

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.

Singer Harry Belafonte discusses Black music including spirituals and jazz and how it has contributed to American culture.