The People Speak: A History Channel Special

Howard Zinn says that his book, A People’s History of the US,  represents the words of people who are not often heard. It’s history of Americans by real Americans, not historians, not the “approved” history– it’s the down and dirty history, the history no one likes to talk about, but nonetheless, a history all Americans should learn.

This Sunday, December. 13 History Channel will air a special movie presentation that was created by Howard Zinn and more than two dozen actors and actresses. The People Speak is an unusual documentary that spreads the words of Zinn’s books through dramatic readings and song.

Matt Damon, who referenced Zinn’s book in the movie Good Will Hunting, begins the series by performing the Declaration of Independence. It is a reminder of the symbol which guides our government; a symbol that is often forgotten about by students today.

As a history minor, this movie was intriguing from the moment I heard about it. I have learned history for my entire academic life and yet the information presented here is information I have not heard in any of my classes; it is information I have read about independently, and some that I have never even heard.

This film is truly a testament to the freedom of speech which is guaranteed to each and every American— it honors the heroes, both men and women, who make it possible for me to blog posts and for me to go to College. These past heroes are not often remembered or honored, but The People Speak does a wonderful job of both. It is important, going forward in this new decade, to remember the sacrifices that have been made and to find it in ourselves to make the sacrifices that need to be made now. These people forced real change and I think this film inspires my generation to do the same.

Watch The People Speak, Sunday, December 13 on History Channel and don’t forget to enter to win a People Speak prize pack right here on GlobalShift.org.