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American Masters

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

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American Masters: How It Feels To Be Free

Premiered January 18, 2021

American Masters: How It Feels To Be Free

A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

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Episode Extras

The musician talks about why she admires Horne so much.

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Clip

Alicia Keys doesn’t mind being compared to Lena Horne

Carroll tells the story of an early makeup session for the TV show “Julia.”

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Clip

Diahann Carroll talks race and makeup while filming "Julia"

Producer, actor and writer Lena Waithe on the mixed feelings Blaxploitation evokes.

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Clip

Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation

Historian Ruth Feldstein on the role of women entertainers in the civil rights movement.

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Clip

The role of women entertainers in the civil rights movement

Having a role model on TV who looked like her made a big difference for Halle Berry.

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Clip

Halle Berry on how seeing Diahann Caroll on TV changed her

Waithe describes how Tyson's natural hair was an inspiration to many others.

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Clip

Lena Waithe on why Cicely Tyson's hair is revolutionary

How six iconic African American female entertainers challenged the entertainment industry.

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Preview

How It Feels To Be Free trailer

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American Masters: Season 35

The inspiring story of six trailblazing Black women entertainers.

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American Masters: How It Feels To Be Free

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Program Specials & Extras

Extended interviews with Maya Angelou, Patti Smith, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett and more.

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Preview

Stream never-before-seen interviews from our 34-year archive

Meet musician, poet, author, and activist Amyra León.

Watch (15:18)

Full length

Amyra León: Strange Grace

Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is a Kanaka Maoli wahine poet, activist, and academic.

Watch (12:16)

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Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio: This Is the Way We Rise