“Ekere’s words were challenging, nourishing, humorous, serious, and inspiring. During her visit, her personality came through, revealing her kindness, her passion for writing, and her desire to encourage the people that were there.” — Nathan Jensen, Associate Dean, Global Engagement, Orange Coast College

“In the span of 3 ½ hours, I felt that my experience with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and her work was not only worthwhile but had a profound effect at Coastline Community College. Her visit included poetry reading, Q&A, and a book signing. With her words, students, staff, and faculty went from participants to aspiring writers. She brought enthusiasm and attention to experiences that connected people from different backgrounds. Regardless of whether the participants could relate to the her stories and words, Ekere created a sense of empathy that put feelings into words.” — Rene Gutierrez, Intercultural Resource Center Director, Coastline Community College

“Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie brought poetry to life.  Her words coursed through the audience so smoothly that we felt the culture of the work, and it was almost tangible. The influence she had on the audience was profound. Even now students are thinking differently about their writing and about how to approach their careers as writers and teachers. Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie! We called, and you were the response.” — Dr. Tamara Hollins, Associate Professor of English, Cheyney University

“Mariahadessa’s poetry touched me in a way that I was not expecting. It was refreshing to hear someone put into words the emotions I felt about  life. That day her poetry defined my experience as a black woman.” — Ronesha Strozier, student at Michigan Technological University

“Ekere was incredibly gracious with her time and talents. The students were completely engaged in her storytelling and her teaching. She gives students the same respect she would an established writer. In Ekere I found a fellow poet and a friend.” — Dr. Chad Faries, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing, Savannah State University

“This was a wonderful experience for our school. It moved me to see the graciousness and patience with which Ms. Tallie worked with our students. She guided them through several writing activities with encouragement and wisdom. As a result, she helped them to think and write in ways that were new to them. It was evident that she has a deep respect for young people. The feedback I received is overwhelmingly positive. More than anything, our students realized that there is a community of writers in the world who are waiting for them to take their rightful place.” — Lorri Giovinco, Assistant Principal, English Language Arts, Media, Business, Fine Arts, Harry S. Truman High School

“Ekere is actually amazing. She moved with grace among two classrooms filled with college students and community members, one children’s after-school literacy program, and one Unitarian Universalist women’s group. Her wit and wisdom were evident in all that she did. One little boy begged her to come to his classroom the next day. She is always welcome back here in Brevard, NC.” — Carol Flake, Distinguished Professor Emerita University of South Carolina, Columbia

“Ekere pours her heart and soul into everything she does and everyone she meets. She’s true and genuine, and finds the positive in all that surrounds her. My students were touched by this on such a deep level. Ekere did more for my students than just teach about poetry and creative writing. She listened and my students felt validated.” — Karen Short, English Teacher, Whitehall Jr-Sr High School