The People Speak: The True Story of American History

Just watching the trailer gave me chills, it is so interesting to hear about American History through the eyes of people who actually experienced it.

According to Vibe, "The upcoming documentary, set to premiere Dec. 13th at 8 p.m. EST, was inspired by and based on co-executive producer Howard Zinn's books, A People's History of the United States, which has sold more than two million copies, and, with co-executive producer, Anthony Arnove, Voices of a People's History of the United States.

Voices of a People's History of the United States seeks to bring to light little known voices from U.S. history, including those of women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and laborers.
The goal of the film is to encourage civic engagement and further history education by bringing the rich history of the United States to life through public readings of primary-source materials.

The Anticipated documentary features such celebrities as Lupe Fiasco, Kerry Washington, Michael Ealy, John Legend, Sandra Oh, Matt Damon, Danny Glover, Alfre Woodard, Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Bruce Springsteen, and Jasmine Guy, among others.

Below you will find the trailer and some of the featured speakers excerpts from the show:

Video preview of The People Speak -- forthcoming documentary based on A People's History of the United States from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Michael Ealy reads Martin Luther King Jr., "Beyond Vietnam" (April 4, 1967)

Michael Ealy reads Martin Luther King Jr., "Beyond Vietnam" (April 4, 1967) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Alfre Woodard reads Sojourner Truth, "Ain't I a Woman?" (1851)

Alfre Woodard reads Sojourner Truth, "Ain't I a Woman?" (1851) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Staceyann Chin reads Bartolome de Las Casas from The Devastation of the Indies: A Brief Account (1542)

Staceyann Chin reads Bartolome de Las Casas from The Devastation of the Indies: A Brief Account (1542) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Danny Glover reads Langston Hughes, "Montage of a Dream Deferred" (1951)

Danny Glover reads Langston Hughes, "Montage of a Dream Deferred" (1951) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Sandra Oh reads Emma Goldman, "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty" (1908)

Sandra Oh reads Emma Goldman, "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty" (1908) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Mos Def reads Malcolm X, "Message to the Grassroots" (November 10, 1963)

Mos Def reads Malcolm X, "Message to the Grassroots" (November 10, 1963) from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

My thoughts...

As a child learning about American History, I always felt there were stories untold and things that I hadn't learned yet. I remember reading The People Speak for my peace studies class and realizing that the History I was taught was the government's way of covering up some of the most gruesome details of "the" real American History. I am so excited to hear the perspectives from people who left legacies and made a difference in each era.

For more information about the upcoming documentary, click here.

For more information on the Vibe article, read here.

What are your thoughts?

Comments (2)

Angelo Lopez

Thanks Tatianna for writing about this documentary. I just discovered Howard Zinn two years ago and have since become a big fan of his histories and critiques. I've gotten now 5 of his books and I learn something new everytime I read them.

I agree with you. Though I admire many American leaders, there is so much about American history that is left out. Many groups of people, women, African Americans, Native Americans, workers, and such, who have made great contributions to our history and is not well known. And the government has covered up a lot of the darker side of our nation.

By the way, I enjoy reading all of your blogs. Very passionate and informative. You offer a unique perspective.

Posted by Angelo Lopez | November 19, 2009 9:20 AM

Posted on November 19, 2009 09:20

Tatiana McKinney

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I've read a lot of your posts as well, and i'm truly impressed! :) Especially the one with Coretta Scott King, loved the quote!

Posted by Tatiana McKinney | November 19, 2009 10:11 AM

Posted on November 19, 2009 10:11

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