From the 1890s to 1920s, the country experienced rapid industrialization, urbanization, technological innovation, and reform that resulted in increased opportunities for women, including their participation in political institutions. The lives of these unsung heroes are brought back to life through captivating original artwork and animation rare archival imagery and interviews with historians, descendants, and accomplished women and modern-day leaders, who reflect on the influence of these pioneers, and the status of suffrage and equality today.Ī little over a century ago, women in the United States did not have universal suffrage. It features the rich biographies of five little-known trailblazers, including some of the first women to hold elected office, and women who fought to ensure that citizens are treated equally and protected by the same rights. This hour-long documentary focuses on political change, examining the ways women accomplished amazing milestones over 100 years ago, overcoming great resistance to map a national future of equality and to improve life for Americans. on PBS (check local listings) pbs.org/unladylike2020 and the PBS Video app, as part of PBS’ summer celebration of women trailblazers. Timed for the women’s suffrage centennial, and in advance of the 2020 presidential election, the show premieres nationwide Friday July 10 at 9 p.m. These formidable women will get the spotlight on PBS in the documentary “ American Masters – Unladylike2020: The Changemakers,” narrated by Julianna Margulies ( ER, The Good Wife), and featuring the voice of Lorraine Toussaint ( Selma, Orange is the New Black). Photo Credit: Courtesy of National Archives Unladylike2020 highlighted the unsung women of America who changed history.Jeannette Rankin, speaking from the balcony of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, April 2, 1917. The Webby People’s Voice Award-winning fourth season of American Masters Podcast explored the origin stories of artists and cultural figures like musicians Tegan and Sara, comedian Chris Gethard and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney.Ĭlick here to learn more about American Masters‘ robust offerings.
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“ American Masters, in my opinion, is the best biographical series on TV or on any other outlet.” – Nate Bloom, The Jewish News To celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, American Mastersproduced multimedia series Unladylike2020, which illuminated 26 stories of courageous, little-known and diverse female trailblazers from the turn of the 20th century. On Facebook, clips from Mae West: Dirty Blondeaccumulated more than 2.5 million views. “This biographical doc makes a strong case for seeing the charismatic performer not just as a trailblazing Latino performer, but as one of the best actors of his generation.” – Manuel Betancourt, Remezcla, on Raúl Juliá: The World’s A StageĪmerican Mastersplaced the spotlight on musical giant Miles Davis celebrated painter Mark Rothko, who helped define Abstract Expressionism and notorious entertainment icon Mae West – who possessed unheard of creative and economic power for a woman in the 1930s. Scott Momaday, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “House Made of Dawn” led to the mainstream breakthrough of Native American literature, and the legendary Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning storyteller Toni Morrison.
The biography series also brought the stories of three literary figureheads out from behind the back cover: science fiction (and notoriously private) author Ursula K. Family CollectionIn its 34th season, American Masters premiered Raúl Juliá: The World’s A Stage, the first documentary on the versatile and influential Puerto Rican actor whose talent took the stage and screen by storm. Groundbreaking Latino actor Raúl Juliá was also a pioneering advocate of social causes, including ending hunger.