In honor of millions of African Americans who have struggled through the centuries to fight for justice, fairness, and equality, we are featuring the stories of pioneers who blazed the path for civil rights, as well as others who continue to consider the role of race in America today.
The brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, EMTs and emergency room personnel help us at some of our most vulnerable moments. Their experiences can inspire a deep reflection on life that leads them to some compelling beliefs. Click the links below to explore what these first responders believe about their work.
A number of prominent African-Americans were featured on Edward R. Murrow’s original This I Believe radio series. Their words helped build momentum for the civil rights movement in the years leading up to the Montgomery bus boycott, lunch-counter sit-ins and the march on Washington. Click the links below to hear their inspiring words.
Whether a true historically fabricated diner, or just a down-home restaurant that serves pie and coffee at the counter, the diner is a place where people take a break from daily life and find a bit of humanity. So order a stack of pancakes and a cup of coffee—and enjoy these beliefs inspired by gathering at the diner.
Several cultures around the world celebrate festivals or holidays to observe the act of being thankful. Historically, people gave thanks for a bountiful harvest, but today, many individuals consider it important to express appreciation for what one has on a daily basis. As we head into a new year, click the links below to learn how others have cultivated lifelong beliefs from the emotions of gratitude, thankfulness, and gratefulness.
As with any faith tradition, it can sometimes be a challenge for Muslims to balance one’s religious practices with one’s beliefs and the obligations of daily life. Click the links below to learn how these Muslims integrate their spiritual and secular lives.
Whether it’s good versus evil, us against them, left versus right, paper or plastic, regular or decaf, we seem to live in an age that values polarization. But whatever happened to the good old middle ground, the place where diverse people can come together in a sense of unity? Click the links below to read how these essayists believe some middle ground can still be found.
As the spacecraft rover Curiosity sends us new photos of Mars, humanity is pondering the nature of life and the origins of the universe. By making a study of the heavens, these essayists also found inspiration for their beliefs. Click the links below to learn what they discovered.
Whether you call it a do-over or a mulligan, the philosophy of the second chance has saved many a sports endeavor, homework assignment, career, or relationship. To move beyond the mistake or failure and start fresh is an opportunity for redemption at its most fundamental level. Click the links below to read how these essayists have benefitted from a second chance.
Throughout his storied career at CBS, Edward R. Murrow hired a number of acclaimed producers and reporters, including William L. Shirer (pictured here with Murrow). This group came to be known as Murrow’s Boys. Several of these journalists also contributed essays to the 1950s This I Believe series. Click the links below to read statements from these esteemed newsmen.
Karin Round lives at the end of an interstate off-ramp in suburban Boston, and she often finds wayward travelers on her doorstep asking for assistance. In spite of the potential dangers, Round believes it’s important to open her door and help those in need. Click here to read her essay.
