The Cultural Revolution in China began in 1966 under Chairman Mao Zedong and didn’t end until 1976 with his death. During this time, people were beginning to shift from a communist society to a free market, capitalistic society and Zedong felt like this was going to ruin China. This video … Continue reading
This video from WNET’s 1966 program called “USA Poetry: Frank O’Hara” contains footage of Frank O’Hara reading aloud his poem “Having a Coke With You”. O’Hara speaks about the various reasons that he loves the subject of the poem. He says “I would rather look at you than all the … Continue reading
Experts discuss the life and legacy of Cuban revolutionary figure, Ernesto “Che” Guevara. After touring throughout Central and South America, Guevara witnessed the millions of people living in poverty and decided that he wanted to do something about it. The solution to the poverty in his mind was communism. He … Continue reading
Iconic news reporter Walter Cronkite describes his involvement with NASA and the space program and discusses the emotional aspect of reporting major events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Singer Richie Havens, who was also the first performer at the original Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York on August 15, 1969, talks about his extended performance that ended up lasting two hours and 45 minutes. Because some of the bands that were supposed to come up after Havens were … Continue reading
Carlos Santana and members from his original band describe the performance they put on at the first Woodstock Festival on August 15, 1969 in Bethel, New York. The band shares how they took LSD backstage, anticipating that they had hours until they were supposed to perform. As it turned out, … Continue reading
Susan Rodriguez, self-proclaimed hippie that was present during the first Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York on August 15, 1969, takes us day-by-day through the music festival that helped to define a generation. Rodriguez discusses such topics as how people acted in a unified and loving manner, who her favorite … Continue reading
Various Edgartown, Massachusetts officials and employees of Senator Ted Kennedy give their accounts of what it was like to discover the Chappaquiddick incident on July 18, 1969. On this night, Ted Kennedy left with Mary Jo Kopechne after they both attended a party. After crashing the car and swimming to … Continue reading
In an interview from 2008, well-known American speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, discusses what has changed in the craft of speechwriting since he worked for John F. Kennedy. Sorensen says his access to President Kennedy and ability to even influence policy-making allowed him to pen good speeches for the president–such as the “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You” speech. He believes speechwriting is a “noble profession” and describes what makes a speech a great speech: “Short sentences.”
In an interview with Andy Warhol and transgender actress, Candy Darling, the duo talk about how they met and their upcoming movie, “Blonde on a Bum Trip,” which would later be renamed “Women in Revolt.” Although Warhol is known more for being a leading figure in the pop art movement, … Continue reading
