When the Civil War ended in 1865, more than four million slaves were set free. Over 70 years later, the memories of some 2,000 slave-era survivors were transcribed and preserved by the Library of Congress. These first-person anecdotes, ranging from the brutal to the bittersweet, have been brought to vivid life in this unique HBO documentary special, featuring the on-camera voices of over a dozen top African-American actors.
Full Cast of Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives
Whoopi Goldberg
An American comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, and talk show host. Goldberg made her film...
Angela Bassett
Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an American actress. Known for her work in film and television since...
Michael Boatman
Michael Boatman is an American stage and screen actor and writer. He holds an BA in Acting from the Western Illinois...
Don Cheadle
Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. is an American actor, author, director, producer and writer. Following early roles in...
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel Leroy Jackson (born December 21, 1948) is an American actor and producer. One of the most widely recognized...
CCH Pounder
Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (born December 25, 1952), known professionally as CCH Pounder, is a...
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
LaTanya Richardson, often listed as LaTanya Richardson Jackson, is an American actress and producer. She began her...
Courtney B. Vance
Courtney Bernard Vance (born March 12, 1960) is an American actor. Vance started his career on the Broadway stage in...
Vanessa Williams
An American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, and actress. In 1983, she became the first woman of...
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey, born Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, is an American television host, actress, producer, and...
Crew of Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives
Full backstage crew list →- Released on February 10, 2003