English professors at Manhattan College are using literature from civil rights leaders to help teach their students about racial justice.

In light of the recent grand jury decisions over the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, professors are turning to historical writings to help teach.

"Sometimes we lack the words to respond, and literature of the past offers us a way to articulate our feelings," says English professor Maeve Adams.

English classes are studying the poetry of Langston Hughes, as well as works by Maya Angelou and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The college also plans on holding new workshops on racial justice for students.