Feedback from schools where Mark Mathabane has lectured about Kaffir Boy

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Audience Feedback from Independent Schoolsdependent Schools

From Mary Sidell, Brentwood School, Los Angeles, CA

I want to thank you once again for your wonderful presentation to our students on Tuesday. They are still talking about it! It was a pleasure to have the privilege of hearing you speak once again.

Bradley E. Lyman, Head, Kentucky Country Day School

"I have had the pleasure of hearing Mark speak in a variety of settings, from classroom discussions to addresses to large groups. Simply put, he is one of the finest and most compelling speakers I've ever heard, and his message of empathy and love resonates well, especially in these times. He has the rare gift of connecting deeply and personally with his audiences.

In fact, the last two times I've heard him speak, several people in the audience were so moved that they were brought to tears. He is the perfect person to address students, educators, and parents because academic excellence without love, compassion and hope is a hollow education."

Jennie Hale, The Bullis School
We are still talking about Mark coming and speaking. A group of us went to lunch for Admin. Professionals day, and we really heard about the students talking to thier parents about not being so shallow, getting involved, etc.

It did my heart good to hear that the message found it's place among the kids, and that it has motivated them.

You all are doing a wonderful thing in speaking to the youth - it really is "the errand of Angels".

Mike Novello, Out-of-Door Academy
"Do you know how good you were last Wednesday at ODA? I could not let another day pass without thanking you for the truly remarkable, insightful, and inspiring presentation you made. The staff, the students, and our guests were not only moved, but called to action to embrace and celebrate our common humanity. The richness of your words, the vibrance of your message resonates in our halls and, privately, in our hearts. ODA is a much enriched community as a result of your visit, and I suspect the mark you left here and undoubtedly everywhere you travel is making a difference."

Matthew Horan, Eagle Hill School, Hardwick, MA
"I cannot express the amount of gratitude that I have for Mark's very powerful speech - it has inspired many of our students. Currently, I am trying to keep the message of Mark's words alive by organizing a fundraiser for a local homeless shelter...Please extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to Mark for his time spent here and for the words that he has given us."

From Steve Bileca, The Branson School, Ross, California
"There really aren't words to express how grateful we all are for your visit with us yesterday. You are a deeply moving speaker and have inspired our students to become better human beings. Thank you."

From Barbara Kennedy, The Baylor School, Chattanooga
"Just wanted to let you know that Mark was wonderful and incredibly gracious. His speech was great - many people I've talked to today say this was the best Martin Luther King Day we've had yet (we've been doing this for ten years). His message was perfect and inspiring."

From Bob Boelte, Memphis University School
“I have been scheduling Friday chapels for about 34 years, and I sincerely believe that Mark Mathabane’s presentation was the best that we have ever had. His delivery was excellent. He held the attention of the audience, mesmerized them with his autobiographical anecdotes, and piqued their consciences."

Kelly, Head of the Island School, Seattle
"Thank you. Your visit has been a gift we will keep opening for a long, long time."

Patsy Howard, Head, Greenwich Academy

“It is a week later, and throughout the school we continue to feel the effects of your profound and moving words. In my 30 years of school work, I can’t remember an occasion in which words spoken so softly and earnestly have had such a powerful influence on young people. I was among the dozens of people who left your talk last week determined to view the world in a different way and live my life with greater commitment to the values and goals that you outlined for us. Your presence here at the Academy was a great honor and an inspiring experience.”

Richard Malley, Former Head, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Massachusetts
"...Through your written work, you have had a profound influence on many of our seniors. Your physical presence and your moving speech touched the lives of our students and faculty...You have a powerful message to deliver, and I wish you all the best. Should you ever need a reference as a speaker, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I would be very happy to speak to anyone considering having you as a speaker."

Shawn Samuelson, Charlotte Country Day:
“The impression you left on the faculty and students is truly unprecedented. We are honored by your coming. We are breathless in your wake. The effect you had on our students is amazing. They are anxious to begin a project to supply schools and families in South Africa with clothing and books.”

Mary Lou Leipheimer, Head, Foxcroft School

    “The Foxcroft community continues to talk about Mark Mathabane and about the issues he raises. Your words, your wisdom, and your caring—all remain fresh and powerful in our memories...I think you might appreciate some of the comments I have heard:
        “He has refocused my priorities. I studied again for the exam.”
        “I have not appreciated the library. I’ll do better.”
        “He is so eloquently articulate. Even his spontaneous responses are poetry.”
        “For the first time in four years, the auditorium was totally silent.”
  “I glimpsed the universality of humanity. I like the vision.”
   “He’s such a role model of a pure spirit and a clean heart
            —no bitterness, wow!”
        “Can he come again?”

Dorian Myers, the Kinkaid School, Houston

"Mark’s visit to Kinkaid definitely lived up to all the accolades in the email. I can't tell you how many students and faculty and parents have stopped by to tell me how touched they were by the presentation. Kids went home and talked to their parents about what they had heard, talked to their teachers in classes and are reading Kaffir Boy all over the school. It was such a pleasure to meet Mark and we do hope that he will always feel like Kinkaid is home."

Rick Goldstein, the Paideia School in Atlanta:

"Thanks so much for setting up Mark's visit to Paideia School today. He was spectacular. The students were talking about it all through the day and even at pick up this afternoon. Personally, I was spellbound by his story.”

John Fiske, the Chadwick School, California
"After your incredibly moving and inspirational talk, I bought all of your books and have read Kaffir Boy and Kaffir Boy in America so far, finding them to be awesome. Words cannot express the flood of thoughts and emotions you evoke, not only for me but for so many others. Thank you so much."

Karen Glenn, Charlotte Latin School, North Carolina
"Thank you again for your eloquent words last Friday. You made quite an impression on both the faculty and students. My students really enjoyed reading Kaffir Boy and were excited to meet you."

Joyce Ferris, Sewickley Academy, Sewickley, PA

I don't know how to begin to tell you of the profound impact you had on the students, faculty and the entire community of Sewickley Academy...I have never seen students so moved and so influenced by any speaker before and we have had some distinguished ones here. Faculty and students have expressed great thanks for the opportunity to be in your presence, to hear you speak and to experience the benefit of your wisdom...I believe that you have had a lasting effect on the ideas and the approach that students will take to social issues...I can not thank you enough for what you contributed to our community.

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This site was last edited on
June 22, 2008 04:23 AM

Books

Kaffir Boy
Kaffir Boy Page
Back Cover
Preface
Chapter One

KB in America
KB in A Page
Back Cover
Chapter One

Love in B&W
Love in B&W
Dust Jacket
Reader Reviews
Preface
Mark's View
Gail's View

African Women
AW Home
Back Cover
Reader Reviews
Preface
Chapter One

Ubuntu (Novel)
Ubuntu Page
Dust Jacket
Chapter One

Miriam's Song
Miriam's Page
Dust Jacket
Dedication
Preface
First Chapter
Reader Reviews