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

All Episodes

American Masters: Season 35

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Becoming Helen Keller [Extended Audio Description]

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Becoming Helen Keller

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It: asset-mezzanine-16x9

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Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It

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Watch (1:39:49)

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Program Specials & Extras

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

Watch (52:55)

Special

Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

Watch (1:00:13)

Special

Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]

Quincy Jones discusses his early career, friendships and how he defines himself.

Watch (15:00)

Special

Quincy Jones explains how he got started in music

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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