Inspiring People

These stories introduce students to extraordinary individuals who transform adversity and inspire change.

Film
While I Yet Live

Five African American women quilters and freedom-fighters from Gee’s Bend, Alabama, share their cultural and family heritage of quilting. 

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Film
The Man is the Music

Atlanta-based artist and musician Lonnie Holley finds healing in the transformative power of art. 
 

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Film
Wright's Law

High school teacher Jeffrey Wright explains the laws of physics, but his own story teaches students the meaning of life.

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Film
Welcome to Canada

Meet a young Syrian refugee who was granted asylum in Canada after fleeing torture and imprisonment by the Assad regime.

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Film
Path of Freedom

In a Rhode Island men’s prison, a group of fifty inmates are transforming their lives through the practice of meditation.

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Film
I Am Yup'ik

A 16-year-old Alaskan Native leaves his tiny village to compete in a basketball tournament hundreds of miles across frozen tundra.

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Film
My Enemy, My Brother

Meet two survivors of the Iran-Iraq war who meet again years later under remarkable circumstances.

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Film
Marie's Dictionary

Marie Wilcox is the last fluent speaker of Wukchumni and created a dictionary to keep her language alive.

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Film
Among Giants

An environmental activist risks injury and incarceration to protect an ancient redwood grove in Humboldt county.

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Film
Barrio de Paz

Nelsa Libertad Curbelo describes the inspiration behind Barrio de Paz, a non-violent youth movement in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

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Film
Everything Is Incredible

Meet a Honduran man who embraces resilience and overcomes adversity, poverty and the debilitating effects of polio. 

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Film
Mr. Happy Man

Meet 88-year-old Bermudian Johnny Barnes, who devotes six hours each day to an endearing traffic ritual.

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Photo Essay
Kazuaki Tanahashi

Meet an accomplished calligraphy and Zen teacher, Kazuaki Tanahashi, who was born and trained in Japan.

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Photo Essay
Food as Medicine

A Northern Californian farmer and soil scientist, through photos and audio clips, shares his love for soil and why farming feels like art. 

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Silent Crescendo

Meet artist Slobodan Dan Paich, who creates simple drawings with tea and ink in a daily ritual.