This week we feature two This I Believe essays from different eras inspired by issues of racial injustice in the United States. From 1953, we'll hear an essay from  journalist and author Will Thomas, an African American man so disgusted with how he was treated that he elected to renounce his citizenship. And from 2015, high school English teacher Kate Hutton will talk about how her students found To Kill a Mockingbird as contemporary as the daily news.

Will Thomas and Kate Hutton

Inspiring, uplifting, and educational, This I Believe features people from all walks of life sharing the stories behind their core beliefs. Since 2005, this program has been heard weekly on public radio and used in thousands of classrooms worldwide. It has also spawned nine books, including the NY Times bestseller "This I Believe." Hundreds of past episodes are archived at thisibelieve.org.

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When she was young, Lauren LeBlanc had grand dreams of living in New York and singing on Broadway. Instead, she became a mom and schoolteacher in suburbia. While it’s not the life she once imagined, LeBlanc now knows she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lauren LeBlanc: Evolution

Although he makes his living with words, poet Fred D'Aguiar is enthralled by dance: from the physicality of the art, to its powers to inspire and heal. D’Aguiar believes dance can be a source for peace, if we all join in and move to the global groove.

Fred D'Aguiar: Dance is Life

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino was certain that Ronald Cotton was the man who raped her in 1984. But she was wrong. After 11 years in jail, DNA evidence proved Cotton’s innocence. Now, the two have a friendship based on their belief in forgiveness.

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton: Finding Freedom in Forgiveness

Brighton Earley’s mom shops at a gas station because she can no longer afford to buy food at a regular grocery. At first Earley was ashamed to go on these shopping trips, but now the Los Angeles student believes they’ve taught her a valuable lesson.

Brighton Early: Finding the Flexibility to Survive

As a teenager, Seeta Sistla dabbled with perfume but found the floral scents to be overpowering for her. But, after watching her father lovingly care for her ill mother, she has come to see that the perfume he anoints his wife with is a powerful statement of his love.

Will Thomas and Kate Hutton

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