The People Speak

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. Narrated by Howard Zinn and based on his best-selling books, A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History of the United States, THE PEOPLE SPEAK illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today and reminds us never to take liberty for granted.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK is a documentary film inspired by the books, "A People's History of the United States" and "Voices of a People's History" which chronicles the lives and experiences of ordinary Americans who, through their words and actions, changed the course of our history.

The philosophy espoused is that change doesn't come from the top, but rather from the bottom, and that without those everyday citizens pushing for betterment, there would be no America. This film takes us on a journey from the founding of our country to the civil rights movement, all the way up through today.

Watch excerpts and find out more about the origins of THE PEOPLE SPEAK on the History Channel at: http://www.history.com/content/people-speak