Melvin Erroll Taylor (MT) interviews his friends Sylvia Smith Lewis (SL) and JoJo Smith (JS). They discuss JoJo’s career as a professional dancer and dance instructor.

Wendy Thomas (47) and Thajilah Olaiya (30) are classroom teachers in Washington D.C. who got to know each other through karate class, and talk about their beginnings as educators and the future of classroom education.

Alex Carothers (44) by Tara Zollinger Henderson (29) on their relationship via Explora museum--T. was the educator for A.’s children. They both discuss their jobs; A. on his job as a pilot.

Emma Estella Person Akalomu (Bobbe) (77) talks with facilitator Marquita James (25) about her cousin Daisy’s hat, which to her is like a symbol of strength and resilience.

Friends Timothy D. Holley, 36, and Marcus M. Williams, 25, discuss comemorating Martin Luther King Day, their careers and spirituality.

Jamaal D. Fisher (30) talks with StoryCorps Facilitator Marquita James (24) about his life.

Chandra Blackwell, 40, interviews her mother Nadine Blackwell, 80, about her memory and involvement in Brown vs. the Board of Education, integrating the Topeka Fire Department, and integrating the downtown Topeka restaurants.

Malik Brooks (14) and his teacher Matthew Coons (28) talk about music, school and violence in the community.

Lynette D. Bates (47) talks with her brother Larnell Bates, Jr. (51) about family, parenting and good teachers.

Christina Mongomery (25) talks to facilitator Eloise Melzer (29) about being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 2 years ago and how it has affected her life.