Edward W. Said talks about the importance of language in shifting perceptions of Middle Eastern people, refutes some opinions about Palestine, identities, and overlapping Eastern and Western cultures.

Discussing "Distortions of Negro History" and interviewing Lerone Bennett, Jr., John Hope Franklin and Hoyt Fuller.

E.R. Braithwaite, Guyanese-born British-American novelist, writer, teacher and diplomat discusses his writing and career. The interview opens with Mr. Braithwaite, reading from his book "Reluctant neighbors".

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

Stokely Carmichael, Charlie Cobb, and Courtland Cox discuss civil rights and African Americans in politics. Discussing the philosophy of SNCC.

Studs Terkel discusses the transportation of students for school integration with psychologist Thomas J. Cottle. The main topic of conversation is Cottle's book, "Busing" (1976, Boston, MA, Beacon Press). Terkel and Cottle discuss busing in several cities, focusing on Boston, MA, where Cottle did his research and writing. They each read passages from the book, and discuss the relationship between busing and racism in America.

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

As the guest editor of “Critical Inquiry,” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. covered the importance of Black writers and their contributions. Because there is no color blindness is the western world, explained Gates, pointing out that one is a Black writer or a Black doctor is important to society. Gates also covers the issue of race not being solely about Black and white people but rather it has to do with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural people.

Civil rights activist, lawyer, and professor Derrick Bell discusses his latest work and protest against Harvard University due to their lack of diverse hiring in academics. Bell is known for his work on the concept of critical race theory and his relentless pursuit of fair treatment for his colleagues.

Nancy Milio's book, "9226 Kercheval: The Storefront That Did Not Burn," is about community health services offered in a ghetto on the south side of Detroit, Michigan. As a nurse, Milio knew how important it was to offer quality health services to poor and uneducated individuals. With their real names changed, Milio talks about her experiences with Mrs. Watkins, Johhnie West and others at the center.