Ep 1. How It Feels To Be Free

How It Feels To Be Free is the first episode of the 35th season of the acclaimed documentary series American Masters. The episode explores the lives and careers of six trailblazing Black female entertainers who used their art to challenge racism and the limited opportunities society offered them.

The episode takes its title from the song "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," written by Nina Simone, one of the women profiled. Simone's story is one of the most compelling, as she not only broke barriers in the music industry with her unique blend of jazz, blues, and activism, but also faced discrimination and harassment as a Black woman pursuing a career in the 1950s and 1960s.

However, the episode also features interviews and archival footage of five other remarkable women who also left their mark on the entertainment world: Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll, Abbey Lincoln, Cicely Tyson, and Pam Grier. Despite the different paths they took to success, all of these women had to navigate the racism and sexism of their times. They fought for roles that were not stereotypical, created their own opportunities, and used their platforms to speak out against injustice.

One of the most striking aspects of How It Feels To Be Free is how the stories of these women resonate with current events. Although progress has been made, the challenges they faced are still present in different forms. The episode also shows how their legacies have inspired and paved the way for younger generations of Black female entertainers who are continuing to push boundaries and create change.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning performance footage and insightful interviews with the women themselves, as well as with their friends and colleagues. The interviews are interwoven with historical footage that contextualizes the world these women were working in and the struggles they faced. The editing and pacing are masterful, and the result is a rich and emotionally moving tribute to six women who were true pioneers.

Overall, How It Feels To Be Free is a compelling and important episode of American Masters. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial and gender equality, and a celebration of the talent, resilience, and activism of six remarkable women.