The MAC Phoundation

This sounds like you are doing something good for young adults. You came to my school, James Martian and I really thought it was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found your book on the internet while researching for a graduate paper about faculty turnover (!) in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. I ordered the book and read some poems to my remedial Language Arts 8th-graders, who listened with rapt attention. Seriously, you could have heard a pin drop while I read of Unikwa, the Senior giving his presentation, and the kids who are not hungry for knowledge, but for food and a safe place to stay. My kids were so intrigued by the characters in your writings that they gathered around my desk to read for themselves as I read aloud. I was promptly "relieved" of the book by an 8th-grade girl who wanted to borrow the book for reading over spring break. I have ordered three more copies so that I may have one to keep and two to give other LA teachers in our urban NC middle school. Your stories really touched these kids and piqued their interest in reading. Thank you so much for such beautiful, meaningful, and entertaining work! I hope to make this work familiar to all the kids and teachers in this school.

From what I see but have not read, you tell a truth some keep under breath, as they pass in silent drawn down glances holding on to what they desired to do for others, realizing now, they wonder why. Yet, they are not alone, for they are 'they' sharing the same thoughts in their day to day, if only they be rallied into one, then the fight won't be a fight but a tidal wave to bring on right.

You, go, lil' brother!

Marshall and Caldwell the powerful dual I met about 9 years ago through our struggle with the Charter School idealogy that I still muddle in each day!! I am so proud of the two of you, and whenver and whatever I can do to support you just know that I will.

Cheryl T.

I truly remember the days on the hill when the tracker was in effect. Life will change you into God desired path if you allow him. You are a shining example. Ryan, I am soo proud of you that I truly do not have the space in this column to express it. From the Pier 9, to the rough times in the ville, to going home and truly stepping into your destiny, you have Persevered. I am honored to have been there and watched you grow in the Instructor, Father, and Author that you are today. Keep up the good work and never stop writing. You are an inspiration to all of us.

I can't tell you how proud I am of both of you!! It is so spectacular to see something birthed out of casual Sunday conversation become a reality. It's about time for the world to witness the "truth". Not some idealistic, unrealistic, played-out educational philosophy that just doesn't work anymore. Ville, thanks for being the big bro my husband needs. Ryan, what can I say? I knew there was something powerful about you the moment we met! ILU!! Watch out yall, the MAC Phoundation is here.

And so it begins!!! This is but the first of many new things that is in store. You already know that you have my total support. The world ain't ready for it; but it's time for them to know. Ryan, do your thang, and keep it real. Ville, trust and believe that I love you so very much. Just do what you do Big dog!! "Whose house"?

This genuine perspective is long overdue. I am thankful for your fierce dedication to students to passion for urban education.
May God continue to bless you and allow you to grow beyond measure.