How It Feels to Be Free

Tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American female 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.

Directed by Yoruba Richen

Videos

1 clips

TrailerOfficialHow It Feels To Be Free | American Masters | PBS

TrailerHow It Feels To Be Free | American Masters | PBS

Images

Cast

Abbey Lincoln

Self (archival footage)

Nina Simone

Self (archival footage)

Diahann Carroll

Self (archival footage)

Pam Grier

Self (archival footage)

Lena Horne

Self (archival footage)

Cicely Tyson

Self (archival footage)

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