Produced for WNET by Ellis Haizlip, SOUL! captures frank discussion during a dynamic period of societal change. The footage includes interviews with Muhammad Ali, Louis Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and many other African American leaders. Acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni, described by Essence magazine as "one of the most searing voices of the 1960s Black Power Movement," was a frequent host of the program. "Unafraid of controversy or standing alone, (Giovanni) was one of the pioneering and heroic voices of the sixties who articulated the rage suppressed by previous generations," said Eugene Nesmith, director of the Langston Hughes Festival.

The show was also a celebration of African American artistry. Musical guests showcased the hottest talents of the era, with live performances from Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Al Green, Tito Puente, Max Roach, Gladys Knight and others. SOUL! brought exposure to global performers as well, including South Africans Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Makeba is known for inspiring an enduring fashion in the 60s when the slogan "black is beautiful" was launched: "I see other black women imitate my style, which is no style at all, but just letting our hair be itself. They call it the Afro Look," said Makeba. In 1963, Makeba testified about apartheid before the United Nations, was exiled by South Africa and married Stokely Carmichael, a Black Panther leader.

“The footage gives a fascinating look at issues, opinions and artistry during an important time in African American history,” said Waleed B. Ali, CEO and President of MPI Media Group. “The WPA is proud to include the SOUL! series in its collection.”

The WPA Film Library, founded in 1987 by independent producers, began as a repository of archival and stock footage for documentary programming. Acquired by the MPI Media Group in 1989, the company’s holdings now include a vast amount of high-quality footage with tens of thousands of hours of vintage and contemporary images available. Formed in 1976, MPI Media Group is a leading independent producer and distributor of movies, home video and music.