How It Feels To Be Free

The inspiring story of six trailblazing Black women entertainers.

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How It Feels To Be Free American Masters

Premiered January 18, 2021

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

Tyson was mindful of how she performed Black womanhood.

Watch (00:43)

Clip

Why Cicely Tyson was selective about her acting roles

The musician talks about why she admires Horne so much.

Watch (02:01)

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.”

Watch (01:50)

Clip

Diahann Carroll talks race and makeup while filming "Julia"

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

Watch (01:59)

Clip

Lena Waithe on mixed feelings towards Blaxploitation

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

Watch (01:08)

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.

Watch (01:57)

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.

Watch (01:58)

Clip

Lena Waithe on why Cicely Tyson's hair was revolutionary

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

Watch (00:30)

Preview

How It Feels To Be Free documentary

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American Masters: Season 35

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Program Specials & Extras

Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.

Watch (10:19)

Special

Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care

Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.

Watch (10:19)

Special

Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care [ASL + OC]

Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.

Watch (13:34)

Special

Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care [Extended Audio Description + OC]

About the Program

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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