It's okay if you don't know it by heart,

but it is the center of the promise of America.

♪ This land is your land ♪

- I get a call saying, "Yo, Will Smith wants to chat

about the 14th Amendment."

I'm like, "Which Will Smith?" (Will laughs)

There are 27 amendments.

Why the 14th?

- The 14th Amendment is the amendment

when we think of the ideas of what America is,

the concept of equality.

The 14th Amendment was the first time

that the word equality, the word equal,

was used in the Constitution.

The 14th Amendment is what the fight

in America right now is all about.

- My parents brought me to the United States

when I was just 11 years old.

What they wanted for me was a better opportunity,

a better education.

And I hope that one day, if I have kids of my own,

that they are able to achieve

that slice of the American dream.

♪ All that endless sky ♪

- When it comes to talking about the 14th Amendment,

it is a source of hope and motivation

that pushes and pulls what black people have done

both legislatively, personally,

and socially throughout this country,

shows that we can succeed in some way,

whether large or small.

- It's really important for us to stay vigilant.

And I think that's part of what the story

of 14th Amendment tells us,

because it wasn't a linear example of progress.

For every step forward, there could be two steps back.

- All creatives out there,

I always implore you to tell your story,

be authentic and bring that story out to other people.

- You need the quality of the art

to pierce the heart and mind

of the listener, the viewer.

- Will Smith, action hero, romantic comedy interest,

and constitutional scholar.

(Will laughs)

I like the trajectory that this is taking.

♪ So it must be that side ♪

♪ Was made for you and me ♪