On this episode of Our American Stories Sidney Poitier arrived in New York as a teenager with almost nothing He sometimes slept on rooftops and in pay toilets worked as a dishwasher and could barely read When he auditioned for the American Negro Theater he was thrown out and told to go find work washing dishes Instead Poitier taught himself to read changed the way he spoke by imitating voices on the radio and learned how to act Within a decade he was one of Hollywood's biggest stars Aram Goudsouzian University of Memphis history professor and author of Sidney Poitier [... more]

Blair Underwood discusses his career, including his role in LA Law, Sex in the City, and Youngblood, a reimagining of the hockey classic. He also talks about his book, A Soldier's Wife, which is a love letter to his mother. O'Shea Jackson Jr. joins the show to discuss the Lakers' season and the controversy surrounding J.J. Redick and Luca Doncic. [... more]

Sidney Poitier's life story is a testament to his perseverance and resilience in the face of racial segregation and prejudice. From his childhood in the Bahamas to his rise as a Hollywood star, Poitier's career was marked by his commitment to playing complex, dignified characters that challenged racial stereotypes. His iconic films, such as 'No Way Out' and 'Lilies of the Field,' showcased his talent and paved the way for future generations of African American actors. [... more]

Sidney Poitier's life story is a testament to his perseverance and determination to break down racial barriers in Hollywood. As a black actor in the 1940s and 1950s, Poitier faced numerous challenges and rejections, but he continued to push forward, eventually becoming a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His iconic films, such as 'No Way Out' and 'Lilies of the Field,' showcased his talent and helped to redefine the image of black people on screen. Poitier's legacy extends beyond his acting career, as he has inspired generations of African Americans to pursue their dreams and challenge social injustices. [... more]

Sidney Poitier's life story is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of racial segregation and social injustice. From his childhood in the Bahamas to his rise as a Hollywood star, Poitier's career was marked by his portrayal of dignified and mannered black characters, which both reflected and challenged the racial attitudes of the time. As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, Poitier's films became a symbol of hope and progress, but he also faced criticism from black power advocates who saw him as too assimilated and compromising. Despite these challenges, Poitier continued to break barriers and push boundaries, becoming a beloved and respected figure in American culture. [... more]

Sidney Poitier's life story is a testament to his resilience and determination as he navigated the complexities of racial identity and the Civil Rights Movement in America. From his early days as a struggling actor to his rise as a Hollywood star, Poitier's journey is marked by his commitment to breaking down racial barriers and challenging societal norms. Through his iconic films, including 'No Way Out,' 'The Defiant Ones,' and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' Poitier became a symbol of hope and dignity for African Americans, inspiring a generation of actors, activists, and artists to follow in his footsteps. [... more]

Sidney Poitier's life story is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of racial segregation and prejudice. From his childhood on Cat Island to his rise as a leading actor in Hollywood, Poitier's journey is marked by his unwavering commitment to social justice and his unshakeable sense of dignity. His iconic films, such as 'No Way Out' and 'Lilies of the Field,' showcase his remarkable talent and his ability to transcend racial boundaries, earning him the respect and admiration of audiences worldwide. [... more]