Principal Kafele Testimonials

It was great to see a plan come together. The staff at Waggener was buzzing after your presentation. We have got some momentum and common talk going that wasn't there before, so thank YOU! As we all know, teaching is the toughest job in the world and I love it. Thank you for reminding me that I am ever growing and learning as a professional. My students will surely benefit!
Kim Harbolt
English Department Chair/Instructional Coach
Waggener High School
Louisville, KY

I want to thank you for coming to Eagle Pass this past week. Your presentation was right on target for what Mr. Sanchez and I both wanted for the Principals and Administrators to hear. I read the evaluations and they were very good. Many of them really reflected on some of the things you brought out on instructional leadership. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses and I think you gave them both positive strokes on what they are doing right while giving them some suggestions for improving upon the things that will make them better leaders. Again, thank you so very much.

Barbara Downing
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Eagle Pass Independent School District
Eagle Pass, TX

I was browsing the radio stations here in Columbia, SC and happened upon an interview that you were a part of on Radio Station 620. I couldn't believe my ears; stopped my car in a CVS parking lot and sat mesmerized for the  next 15 minutes or so listening to you speak in response to the questions asked  of you.  You are a man after my own heart.  I'm a retired educator, who may not have retired and/or would gladly come out of retirement if I  could work in your school. My philosophy has always been and forever shall be that with the right attitude from the professionals, all children have the capacity to learn. God bless you and all the best as you strive  to bring about this much needed change. Thanks again and again.
Mattie Anderson
Retired Educator

I am extremely appreciative of you taking time out from your busy schedule to speak to our students.  Students were highly engaged and appreciated and responded to your sincerely.  Your message on responsibility and maturity was right on target.  Since our program's inception, we have observed an increase in student achievement, and we hope to capitalize on this auspicious start by following this cohort during their years at the high school.  The students in your building are very fortunate to have you as their principal; your dedication to education is inspiring.  Please accept this plaque recognizing your contributions in helping us elevate our students' performance.
Ed Braun
Assistant Principal
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School

Scotch Plains, NJ

Baruti Kafele was keynote speaker for the Louisville Urban League’s 2006 Education Summit: “a community dialogue on math and science curriculum reform.”  Mr. Kafele brought the audience of youth, parents, educators, business and community leaders a powerful message addressing what we must do to improve academic achievement for African America students. His message has made a profound impact on the Louisville community as key education policy makers have expressed a desire to explore the adoption of Kafele’s philosophy as part of our solution for closing the achievement gap. I am very grateful to him for being such an effective speaker and a key part of the Education Summit. We are looking forward to a continued partnership. 

Kevin E. Fields, Sr.

Director, Youth Development & Education

Louisville Urban League

Louisville, KY

Our parents are still talking about your wonderful presentation at Quitman Street School!  Parents understood, related to, and could implement your suggestions readily into their child-rearing practices. Over 100 parents listened attentively to your words and felt the passion in your presentation.   Thank you for sharing your experiences, expertise and  the commitment to improving not only education but family life.  Baruti Kafele is on the top of my list of presenters for the next school year - your message must be shared!  SLT I and I appreciate your support of our efforts to keep parents informed and active partners in the education of our children. 

Elaine M. Neves

Project Coordinator - Parental Involvement

School Leadership Team (SLT) I

Newark Public Schools (New Jersey)

Baruti Kafele spoke to area educators and later in the evening to our parents. He spoke with such passion that no one left his presentation without being convinced to do better both as parents and educators, alike.  He inspired all of us with his incredible insight on reaching and  teaching low income/high poverty students in our school. Thanks for your passion! 

Jim Holman

Principal, St. Marcus Lutheran School

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We’re on FIRE!  My staff and I are reenergized, refocused and ready to change our attitudes and practices that will motivate, educate, and empower our Cleveland Scholars!  We’ve begun to plan and implement three strategies that were not in place. I’ll keep you informed about our progress. Your hard work and dedication are highly appreciated!
Zakiyyah Abdul-Razzaq
Principal, Cleveland School
Newark, NJ

Baruti Kafele is one of a rare breed of educational leader-warriors daring to build on and revolutionize secondary school education through sheer determination and the demand for excellence. He makes no, and takes no excuses for doing otherwise for himself, his co-workers, colleagues, parents and above all, students.  

Lenworth Gunther, Ph.D.

President/CEO - Edmedia Associates, Inc. 

Thank you again for an outstanding message delivered to our staff in Mount Pleasant.  Your message was EXACTLY what we have been preaching for the last several months in Mount Pleasant.  I applaud you and your dedication to making the lives of our youngsters better.  

Dr. Jim Boyle, Mount Pleasant ISD Superintendent

Mount Pleasant, Texas  

I read both of your books with interest.  Both reveal your advanced thinking, deep knowledge and perhaps most important of all, the clarity of communication that places you squarely in the ranks of master scholar/communicators like Baba Tony Browder and Baba Jacob Carruthers. 

Dr. Asa Hilliard, III

Professor, Urban Education, Georgia State University 

Your book is an excellent statement of what a parent should do for the child. 

Dr. Molefi K. Asante

Professor, African American Studies, Temple University 

Baruti Kafele is one of those fearless educators in the tradition of Carter G. Woodson and Mary McLeod Bethune: he remains true to teaching "Education for Liberation" no matter what obstacles are thrown before him.  He has that vital ability to not only positively communicate with teachers, parents and their children, but also provide a kind of leadership that inspires them to become activists in the struggle for Educational Excellence.  Baruti Kafele is truly one of our long distance runners helping our children "Struggle to Learn To Learn to Struggle." 

Dr. Sam Anderson

Education Director, Center for Law & Social Justice, Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, NY 

Mr. Kafele is fast becoming a major player in the field of diversity because of his work. His vision coincides with that of Dr. John Henrik Clarke and Dr. Yosef ben-Jochannan - two noted educators in the field of diversity. 

Dr. Joseph S. Fulmore, Sr.

Assistant Superintendent for School Operations, Paterson Public Schools, Paterson, NJ 

Your dedication to educating children in general and African American children in particular is very much appreciated and admired. 

Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Savannah State University 

I enjoyed your conversation and words of wisdom on WBAI this evening. If only all teachers -- and parents -- could be inspired to follow your guidance. 

Claudia Zaslavsky

Author - Africa Counts: Number and Pattern in African Culture 

I would like to thank you for your contribution to my College Bound students.  You were an inspiration! 

Charles R. Scott

Professional Services Specialist, New Jersey City University 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the motivating, stimulating, inspiring and thought-provoking presentation made by you at the Orange School District Annual Teacher Recognition Ceremony. 

Stewart King

Director, Professional Development, Orange Public Schools, Orange, NJ 

Your contribution was invaluable to the success of our conference.  The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Cheryl Hunter-Grant

Vice President, Marketing and Planning, Today's Child Communications