episode
In World War II over a million African Americans fought for freedom and democracy - in an army, that was strictly segregated by race. These Black GIs fought to liberate Germany from Nazi rule, as racism reached unfathomable levels at home and their unit. Finding a 'breath of freedom' in post-war Germany, Black soldiers experienced for the first time what it felt like to be treated as equals. This experience changed their lives and paved the way for many careers like that of Colin Powell. As a young lieutenant in the army, General Powell was stationed in Germany in 1959 when he experienced what he called in his autobiography a 'breath of freedom.' This largely unknown chapter in American History is told in BREATH OF FREEDOM. Narrated by Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding, Jr., the documentary features interviews with former Secretary of State General Colin Powell and Congressman John Lewis. This is the remarkable story of how World War II and its aftermath played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement and includes the powerful recollections of veterans like Charles Evers, brother of slain Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers and Tuskegee ace pilot Roscoe Brown.
