Earlier this year, KERA sponsored an essay contest for high school students across North Texas. The assignment: Draw inspiration from a poem by Maya Angelou to talk about race relations in the U.S.
Lauren Moore, 15, took the top prize. The Guyer High School sophomore chose the Maya Angelou poem "Equality" and wrote about her experience as a young black woman.
Listen to an excerpt from her essay. Note: It includes strong language some listeners may find uncomfortable.
Read Lauren’s full essay here.