Presenting history through speeches, letters and music performed by today's most talented voices, this stirring HISTORY™ program pays homage to ordinary citizens whose words and actions commanded extraordinary change in America. 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. From executive producers Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Chris Moore, and Anthony Arnove, this special presentation – one of the Network's most highly-anticipated programs of 2009 – is based on historian Howard Zinn's best-selling books, including "The People's History of the United States" and "Voices of a People's History", it arrives on DVD in a special edition featuring 25 minutes of never-before-aired footage and a wealth of exclusive bonus material, including additional performances, a photo gallery and more.

Narrated by Zinn himself, this groundbreaking doc illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today, reminding us that democracy is not a spectator sport and to never take liberty for granted. A journey from the founding of this country to the civil rights movement and beyond, THE PEOPLE SPEAK uses star power to celebrate democracy and was a labor of love for many an A-lister: Matt Damon reads from The Declaration of Independence; Bruce Springsteen performs Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land"; while other accomplished performers, including Morgan Freeman, Marisa Tomei, Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, Bob Dylan and Eddie Vedder lend their voices to help re-create the emotional impact of these moments in history.