Nikia Cliff II, 6, throws paper airplanes with his Major Chords for Minors piano instructor Bruce Leaman after Cliff's lesson. "I had a lesson cancellation," Leaman explained. "So we're killing time until Nikia's older brother is done with his drum lesson." Brittney Lohmiller for NPR hide caption
Ruby Corado runs Casa Ruby, a drop-in and service center for transgender people in Washington, D.C. Through the center, Corado helps people find housing, medical care and get food. Corado also has 22 beds in transitional housing for transgender adults and youth who would otherwise be homeless. Lexey Swall/GRAIN for NPR hide caption
After a long day at the Somali American Community Center he founded in Clarkston, Ga., and then at an after-school program, Omar Shekhey drives a taxi to earn extra money. Often he gives his earnings to refugees to help them with expenses. Kevin Liles for NPR hide caption
Tony Simmons leads a group of Johns Hopkins University students on a "justice walk" in downtown Baltimore, during which they learn about public policy, providing services, and the connections between income inequality and health. Gabriella Demczuk for NPR hide caption