In Their Own Words

Explore how Muhammad Ali’s views on religion and racial integration in 1965 were polarizing during the mid-1960s civil rights movement. In November 1965, Ali fought against former champion Floyd Patterson, who cast his bout with Ali as a social, political and religious battle.

Upon leaving to meet up with his soon-to-be girlfriend, a young Jorge Bergoglio stops inside a church where he undergoes a transformative experience, one that leads him on a path to faith. Much to the dismay of his own mother, Jorge enters himself into the Society of Jesus, determined to

See Pope Francis' response to the Church's cover up of thousands of priests who abused children, and how many advocates today are now calling on Pope Francis to do more to protect survivors.

Chuck Berry's rock and roll single "Maybellene" is an instant hit — a song hailed and celebrated among rapturous teenagers. Yet despite his critical success, Chuck finds himself battling for his money against the music industry's racist inequities.

See how Chuck Berry builds up recognition after performing with revered pianist Johnnie Johnson and his band in the Cosmopolitan Club. Chuck's charisma and growing presence, however, will soon lead to a changing dynamic within the group.

In an effort to rebuild his feeling of self-worth as an artist, Chuck agrees to perform in a documentary, with legendary guitarist Keith Richards as the film's music director. Despite Richards' excitement for the project, Berry is not as convinced by Richards' vision, leading to some

After losing his first election campaign for Georgia governor, Carter sets out on two Baptist missions to rekindle his relationship with his faith. Realizing his potential to still serve as a politician, Carter runs again for governor, this time winning. However, what Carter announces at his inauguration leaves his constituents

Born in 1924 in the rural town of Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter comes of age during an era inflicted by de jure racial segregation. Despite having a father known for his reputation as a white supremacist, Jimmy seeks moral guidance from many of the Black sharecroppers who work on his

In 1979, the U.S. embassy in Iran is invaded and occupied with the American citizens inside taken as hostages. President Carter decides to ignore the advice of military action against Iran, and instead attempts to wait out the situation, much to the damaging effect on his image as president.

Jim Henson grew up in rural Mississippi and had a boyhood passion for drawing and building and an admiration for ventriloquist Edgar Bergen. When Jim’s dad was reassigned from Mississippi to Maryland in 1948, 12-year old Jim became attracted to the new medium of television — kindling his desire to

After a 3-year exile for refusing induction into the Army during the Vietnam War, Muhammad Ali’s epic boxing comeback begins with an easy victory in Atlanta, Georgia over Jerry Quarry in October of 1970, followed by a knockout of Oscar Bonavena in New York City in December, which set

Family members, friends and close colleagues recount the events leading up to Jim Henson’s shocking, sudden death on May 16, 1990 of organ failure resulting from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. An emotional memorial service was held five days later at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New

Watch a brief overview of Queen Elizabeth II’s long life and reign including her royal childhood, her coming of age during World War II, her sudden accession to the throne, her personal and family challenges and the fulfillment of her vow to dedicate her entire life to the Commonwealth.

Upon the death of her father, King George VI, in January 1952, 25-year old Elizabeth II becomes Queen. Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, are in Africa when they learn of the King’s passing and return to London for the state funeral. The coronation takes place after a period

Cassius Clay’s professional boxing career begins with his signing by The Louisville Sponsoring Group. His unorthodox boxing style and the development of his bold, witty, poetic and abrasive public persona, endeared him to a younger generation of boxing fans and earned him the enmity of some established boxing writers.

Elizabeth comes of age during WWII, as Britain endures the deadly German aerial bombardment known as “The Blitz.” The King and Queen escape injury when Buckingham Palace is bombed, and their steadfast resolve and dedication to duty make an impression on Elizabeth, who serves her country as a truck mechanic.

In the first years of her reign, the Queen cultivates the Commonwealth of Nations, former imperial colonies that still desire strong ties with Britain. Former British Prime Minister John Major notes that, “when the queen became monarch in 1952 the commonwealth were four, perhaps five nations, no more. The queen

Watch the highlights of boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s life and career, from his boyhood in Louisville, Kentucky to his stunning upset of Sonny Liston, his exile from boxing for refusing induction into the U.S. Army to his epic, triumphant comeback.

See how Princess Diana actively used her platform to increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic, an effort that significantly helped to break the stigma surrounding AIDS patients.

A young Lady Diana captures the world stage when her courtship with Prince Charles is made public. She proves to be a charming candidate for the future role of Queen Consort. Soon after dating, Charles proposes to the 19-year-old Diana. Their fairytale wedding attracts the adoration of millions around the

After the release of her biography, the world learns of Diana's battle with bulimia and her secret struggles living as a member of the royal family. In 1996, despite Diana and Charles carrying out their duties to the public, albeit separately, Queen Elizabeth II at last orders for

After her divorce from Prince Charles, Diana's romance with Dodi Fayed, the heir to the Harrod's fortune, breaks headlines. However, on August 31, 1997, tragedy strikes when Diana and Dodi are killed in a car crash in Paris — leaving the world mourning for the loss of

After the joyous birth of their son William, Charles and Diana set out on their tour of Australia in 1983. What they find when they arrive there, however, is an overwhelming desire for Diana — leaving Charles spinning in jealousy of her praise. Meanwhile, in London, the British media's