Peter Sellars talks about his production of "The Merchant of Venice." Peter Sellars also compares Los Angeles California to the world of "The Merchant of Venice". Sellars also discusses the history of the Jewish people, immigrants, the ghetto, and race relations.

Dennis Brutus discusses and reads his poetry. He discusses life in South Africa. Dennis Brutus reads poems from his books of poetry "Sirens, Knuckles and Boots", "A Simple Lust", and "Letters to Martha and Other Poems from a South African Prison". Includes music in the beginning. Includes a clip of Albert Lutuli speaking.

Judith Todd, daughter of prime minister of Rhodesia, discusses the book "Right to say no"; Dennis Brutus, poet and involved in protest of Rhodesia taking part in 1972 Olympics, and John Fry pastor First Presbyterian Church and social writer, race, South Africa, and Rhodesia. Excerpt from interview of people in South Africa - a guide, an Afrikaner, and a Chicago policeman regarding race (1895817-6-1 South African Tapes). The three were brought together to have a round table discussion about race relations in South Africa.

Interviewing Frank Carney, Susie Gelaga, Linda (daughter-in-law), Molly (daughter), and Fred Christy. They discuss the youth in Chicago, their own life experiences, and wants.

Lillian Smith excerpt opens the program.

Ira B. Harkey discusses the south, civil rights, race relations, racism, his newspaper, and his career. Includes Ira Harkey reading his writing from his newspaper the Mississippi "Chronicle-Star."

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."

Discussing the book "A handful of clients" and interviewing the author Elmer Gertz.

Susan Nussbaum, founder of Access Living and Michael Pachovas founder of Disabled Prisoners Program discuss the upcoming Disabled Americans Freedom Rally in the backdrop of the International Year of the Disabled Persons and President Reagan's budget cuts. Society needs to understand that expenditures are required to secure the rights of disabled people to live active, productive lives. They need to be able to get out of their apartment buildings or homes, travel on sidewalks and ride buses. That may require access ramps, working elevators, cut curbs, and hydraulic buses to lower steps.

The interview begins with an excerpt of Ken Jackson talking about solitary confinement while in prison. (Fortune Society 1970 Nov. 20. 1967541-3-1). Jessica Mitford an English born author, investigative journalist, and civil rights activist discusses her book "Kind and Usual Punishment: The Prison Business,". Ms Mitford and Studs discuss her finding that prisoners were used as test subjects for drug trials and other medical research, and slave labor. Ms Mitford's book makes the argument that prisons are a governments means to making money from the prisoners they have punished.

Muhammad Ali discusses his book "The Greatest: My Own Story," touching on topics including his childhood and family, conversion to Islam, stance on the Vietnam War, and experiences in jail. After the conversation with Ali ends, the second half of the program consists of music by Billie Holiday ("God Bless the Child"), Jimmy Rushing ("Going to Chicago"), Nina Simone ("Children Go Where I Send You"), Count Basie, Alan Lomax ("Little John Henry"), Dinah Washington ("Willow Weep For Me"), and Duke Ellington ("East St. Louis Toodle-Oo").

Discussing the book "A man's life" with the author Roger Wilkins.