Who knows better how to reach the kids who seem hardest to reach than someone who once walked their same path? Otis Lyons, aka Vegas Don is a former gang-banger turned youth advocate, and has created a splashy NBA style basketball league to capture the attention of many at-risk youth. He talkes about his campaign to create a sports complex for teens in Durham.

Newly named president of telecom giant AT&T North Carolina and Raleigh native Venessa Harrison shares how she advanced in the company beginning as a call center operator. She talks about her corporate climb, personal life, and how she is leading the organization into the future.

Darryl Lester learned the higher calling of philanthropy from his mother who would keep extra groceries in her pantry to share with neighbors in need. Tim McIntosh witnessed a successful program that helped those exiting the prison system find meaningful work and a reason to live. With these foundations, both have impacted their communities with strategic giving, and they share their model.

Bennett College in Greensboro recently celebrated it's 140 anniversary and in July of 2013 welcomed its 17th President, North Carolina native Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall. She brings to Bennett 25 years of experience in higher education plus a background in law. She shares her vision for the college and insights about the relevance of HBCUs today and into the future.

A new book African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina takes readers to 8 different counties in Eastern North Carolina to discover the culture and heritage of this region as told by African American music and musicians. Co-auther Michelle Lanier, musician Bill Myers, and Wayne Martin of the NC Arts Council share some of the history and music.

At the age of 10, NFL Super Bowl Champion Torry Holt lost mother to cancer. Now, he and his brother have established a foundation with a commitment to help children of adults with cancer cope and find joy. He talks about programs supportd by the foundation and and other business ventures in North Carolina.

A 2011 National Education Association study revealed 30% of kids in schools are bullied every month. With social media technology and the rise of cyberbullying, the entire issue has become a growing problem. A Durham boy shares his personal story and a guest panel from HensonFuerst, Leading to Change, and Dignity Schools provide insight and advice.

What will it take to raise student performance and strengthen schools? Former Senator and education leader Howard Lee shares his ideas and vision for the Howard N. Lee Institute, an entity designed to engage students, parents, and community cohesively to serve the needs of North Carolina's most academically endangered students.

In 1963, North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford declared war on poverty with a revolutionary plan centered on education, job training, and housing. View highlights from the film "Change Comes Knocking" as Director/filmmaker Rebecca Cerese and Dr. Shun Robertson of MDC discuss how the North Carolina Fund influenced effective community organizing and why it was also at the center of controversy.

The Affordable Care Act was designed to provide more Americans access to quality health care. Consumer fianance and health educators Michele Smith, Del Matioli, and Sandra Jones explain how to take advantage of the new law.