Studs Terkel convenes a conference devoted to examining the works of author Nelson Algren.
Interviewing author Nelson Algren and an investigator for the New Jersey Public Defender's Office, Fred Hogan. Hogan found evidence that led to the overturning of the first conviction of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.
On July 17, 1944, there was a huge explosion at Port Chicago in California. Of the 320 men on duty at the pier that died, 202 of them were Black. Robert Allen's book, "The Port Chicago Mutiny: The Story of the Largest Mass Mutiny Trial in U.S. Naval History," covers the story of poor working conditions, the explosion, work stoppage, the trial and the outcome. There is an excerpt of Joe Small, recalling what happened, when he was a sailor present there.
David Brokensha discusses African literature and writers. Brokensha also discusses African culture. David Brokensha reads an excerpt from "The Dark Child" by Camara Laye.
Interviewing John Amis, British radio personality and host of the television quiz show, "My Music"
Michael Anania discusses and reads his from his books of poetry called "The Red Menace" and "The Sky At Ashland". Anania also discusses his life and inspirations. Includes a clip of children speaking about the world and war. Includes a clip of a jazz song called "Lester Leap In" by Count Basie at the end of the program.
Before admittance, 17 members of the Illinois Bar Association asked George Anastaplo two questions. Should people in the Communist Party be allowed to practice law, to which Anastaplo answered yes. The members then asked Anastaplo if he was a member of the party. Anastaplo refused to answer that question because he deemed it an improper question for the Bar to ask. Anastaplo himself argued his case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Discussing "Inside the League: The Shocking Expose of How Terrorists, Nazis, and Latin American Death Squads have Infiltrated the World Anti-Communist League" (published by Dodd Mead & Co.) with the authors, journalists Scott Anderson and Jon Lee Anderson.
Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 6: Three Strikes. Dr. Lewis Andreas talks about being at the 1937 Memorial Day massacre and providing medical care during the Depression. Justin McCarthy discusses his job conditions at Ford Assembly Plant prior to the unions implementation. Mike Widman remembers heading up union negotiations and the strike at the Ford Plant in 1940-41. Bob Stinson discusses working at General Motors and how the sit-down strike began. Union songs performed by the Almanac Singers are played throughout the episode.