E-mail a friendNovember 13, 2008
California Rep. Barbara Lee tells Tavis that the first protest in her life was the fight to allow African American students to try out for her school's cheerleading team. Actress CCH Pounder shares her thoughts on her long run on the The Shield coming to an end.
Rep. Barbara Lee
Rep. Barbara Lee
California congresswoman explains how she was able to break the cycle of domestic violence that began in her youth. (3:58)
Full interview. (12:28)
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in '98, California's Barbara Lee continued a career of public service that began when she became a Congressional intern for the district she now represents. She garnered national attention as one of Congress' most vocal opponents to the Iraq War. Lee sits on the Appropriations committee and co-chairs the Progressive Caucus. She previously served in the state legislature. She chronicles her rise to power in her autobiography, Renegade for Peace & Justice.
CCH Pounder
CCH Pounder
Actress talks about impacting the writers and the producers of the show to make changes that better represent diversity and ethnic relations. (3:08)
Full interview. (9:52)
Guyana born CCH Pounder is a stage-trained actress whose talent was discovered at New York's Ithaca College. After bit roles in features, she gained prominence on TV. Known for her low-key intensity, Pounder earned an Emmy nod for her recurring role on the hit drama, ER and has received acclaim for her role in the popular FX series, The Shield. Pounder is involved with Artists for a New South Africa and, with her husband, built The Boribana Museum in Senegal, for the study of cultures of the African Diaspora.