Bahamian actor Sidney Poitier talks with Studs Terkel about his most recent film "The Defiant Ones" and how racial type-casting for typically white roles works in Hollywood films. Besides being an actor, he is also a film director, author, and diplomat.

Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.

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

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

"Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films is Donald Bogle's study of Black actors and the roles they played in movies. Bogle believed it was important for Black people to see Black heroes in movies. Bogle concluded there were too few roles available for Black actors and too many roles were of stereotypes.

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

Studs interviews novelist and fighter for civil rights for all James Baldwin, and discusses the book "The Devil Finds work" They discuss Mr. Baldwin's political beliefs and his work towards change in the civil rights movement.

Martin Duberman, historian and biographer, discusses his latest work which focuses on the singer, actor, and political activist Paul Robeson. Robeson was known for his performance in Showboat and Emperor Jones.