The Reverend Jesse Jackson is a civil rights activist and heavily involved in politics. He founded Operation Breadbasket, P. U. S. H. , and the National Rainbow Coalition. In 1984 and 1988, he lost the presidential candidacy for the Democratic Party. Since then, he has been a U. S. Senator and made himself available to help settle disputes with other nations. [+]

Martin Luther King's speeches and talks from 1955 to 1968. Part of the "In Their Own Words Series". From " The Birth of a Movement, The Montgomery Bus Boycott " to " I have been to the mountaintop. , A Final Address ".

This look at civilian sailors who served in the U. S. merchant marine during World War II is informative, entertaining, and at times deeply moving. The men aboard the Liberty Ships, the famed cargo vessels that were manufactured at an astounding pace to keep America's troops and its allies supplied during the war, faced long ocean voyages made impossibly dangerous by the constant threat of being torpedoed by a Japanese sub or a German U-boat. Veterans of the merchant marine discuss their ordeals in interviews filmed aboard the Jeremiah O'Brien, the last surviving unaltered Liberty Ship, and their reminiscences, combined with well-chosen archival footage, range from humorous to heartbreaking. It's shocking to learn that American conservatives of the day denounced the civilian sailors as "cowards" and "bums," and the issue of how the men of the merchant marine were shabbily treated by American politicians during and after the war is discussed frankly. After relating harrowing tales of danger at sea, the veterans sadly recount how they were denied the government benefits accorded to other World War II vets for decades. The men aboard the Liberty Ships played a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II, and this thoughtful documentary is a fitting tribute to their contributions to their nation. -Robert J. McNamara.

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball. He spent his major league career playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and breaking many records. Upon retiring from professional baseball, Jackie became an advocate in the civil rights movement and was on the NAACP Board of Directors. See how he changed the 20th century.

Not that long ago, African Americans were denied basic rights and opportunities in the United States, but one mans work and dedication helped change the future of our country - not just for African Americans but for all Americans. In Martin Luther King, Jr. , kids will take an in-depth look at the life of this Civil Rights leader and learn about his commitment to nonviolence in the pursuit of social change. From his days as a minister in Alabama to his role in the battle for equal rights, discover how Americans responded to the actions and words of the most influential leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Kids will also learn about the important milestones of the Civil Rights Movement - from the historic decision of Brown vs. The Board of Education to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the legendary March on Washington.

As a member of the U. S. Army, Colin Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor and became highly recognized. He was the first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was Reagan’s National Security Advisor and he is now the Secretary of State for the Bush administration. Learn about his life and career.