This is a story of how innocence can be shattered by ignorance, how faith is enduring in the presence of callous disbelief and how right is proven true in the end. This story is an American story and a human story. It is my story and yours. This is a book to read.


Maya Angelou



A rare and beautiful achievement, this honest book holds a true mirror up to a southern city and some of its best and not yet best residents



John Ehle



Jo Anne North Goetz grew up in the racially segregated Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and discovered her love of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse there. Darryl Hunt was born in the projects of East Winston, never knew his father, and his mother was a drunk who couldn't raise him. He learned about love from a grandfather he adored.



Goetz and Hunt became friends during the year she taught him in the sixth grade at Mebane Elementary School. Seven years later, in 1984, when she read the news story of his arrest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the rape and murder of a white newspaper copy editor, Deborah Sykes, Goetz faced her own fear of reprisal in a racially torn community and took the witness stand as Hunt's only character witness. For the next 20 years after Hunt's conviction, she stood by his side in a struggle for freedom and justice that divided a community.



This is a beautiful story, and I clearly heard Jo Anne's voice reading it to me. Leigh Somerville McMillan has captured her point of view, her voice, her faith.



Mark Rabil, Attorney for Darryl Hunt





Leigh Somerville McMillan gives us an intimate portrait of Jo Anne Goetz and her friendship with a man wrongly accused of murder - a story of race, justice and redemption.



Phoebe Zerwick, State Editor

The Winston-Salem Journal





It is a rare moment in life when people come together, not only to bring out the best in each other, but the best in humanity. Jo Anne Goetz is one of those rare treasures who not only stops and listens, but who knows the truth.



Helice "Sparky" Bridges, Founder & President

Difference Makers International and author of

"Who I Am Makes a Difference"





What a chilling story of love, compassion, longsuffering, courage, deliverance and freedom. Jo Anne Goetz captures the innocence of the human spirit. This is a powerful book



Dwight Lewis, Associate Athletic Director
Student-Athlete Services, Wake Forest University





Jo Anne Goetz is among a vanishing breed of teachers -- those whose love and care for their students extends far beyond the classroom.

Angelia J. Fryer, Ed.D.

Asst. Superintendent for Middle School Administration







A courageous inspiration of what is possible when you believe with absolute certainty that it is our place (as human beings) to maintain faith while sharing love and kindness with others.



Keith Froehling, International Inspirational Speaker



Visit joannegoetz.com