Testimonials
Kristen Mehr, Entrepreneurial Consultant --September, 2008 “Oronde is magical in his work. He has a special gift and a powerful message to share. He provided a presentation at a teen retreat for young people living with HIV/AIDS in the Washington DC area and he spoke to their hearts. He is engaging, passionate and personable. If you have the opportunity to hire him to speak to any audience you are sure to be impressed!”
Diepiriye Kuku of LitGriot.com reviewing 17 to Life --August 2009 “... Ash’s tale is that of defining meaning among the oppressed, a study on the phenomena of simply being --in America. He shows how he learned to resist definitions and becomes, in one sense, the outlaw black boy bell hooks says the nation still fears --the boy who develops his own agency to fulfillment and steers himself to personal power. Many of Ash’s laments and the painful re-telling of his stories resonated with me. Growing up as a working class black boy with a funny, African name --Diepiriye Kuku-- my teachers, however caring and well meaning, offered little opportunity for discourse on my struggles towards black manhood..."
