Reviews

Testimonials from past clients

“Students at J.A. Fair High School are still talking about their new outlook on books since the kick off celebration of their 2nd Annual Read 25 Books Campaign. The presentation by Patrick M. Oliver was an indelible mix of hip hop music, great speeches, technology, and a relevant and connective narrative about the significance of literacy in everyone's life from Master P to Barack Obama. Oliver and guests helped boost student motivation to read, beefed up library circulation, and started an East Lab Read 25 project, where students create inspirational posters to boost student reading. Students have inquired about another assembly presentation by him, asked about a school-wide book club or panel discussion, and are clamoring at the chance to appear on Oliver's weekly Literary Nation Talk Radio”. - LaPara N. Washington, Literacy Coach, ASCEND Coordinator, J.A. Fair High School, Little Rock, AR

"Patrick Oliver, the William Penn School District and the Yeadon Public Library partnered to create an after-school writing program. The project was titled If I Could Change The World, it was designed to provide at-risk children the opportunity to share their experiences. The project gave each child the power of knowing they can and did make a difference. I look forward to having the pleasure of working with Mr. Oliver again”. - Latina Dean, Librarian, Yeadon Public Library, Yeadon, PA

"Mr. Oliver your presentation was informative, reflective of your vast experience and knowledge about books and literacy programs, particularly those for the young adult and teen reader. Your remarks were particularly useful because we are beginning a literacy project focused on articulation skills for a group of young, male students in middle school”. - Juanita G. Bass, Associate Professor of English, Fri Communications Scholar, LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN

“This was one of the most phenomenal experiences DYS has been able to bring to our students. When the students heard the author shout out to them they screamed to the top of their lungs with excitement and pride. The students ask everyday “what book are we reading next and who is the author?” Thank you Patrick for sharing with us your wonderful talent and resources”. - Valecia Pumphrey, Director of Education, Division of Youth Services, Arkansas Department of Human Services

“Thank you for coordinating such a wonderful Literacy Night presentation on last Tuesday. You and the other presenters did an outstanding job, and our faculty, parents, and students were certainly enriched by the experience. One of our teachers stated that this was the best Parent Night that she has ever witnessed at McClellan. By the way, we are using your book as our next Principal’s Book of the Month. – Shirley Ferguson, Literacy Coach, McClellan High School, Little Rock, AR

"Beverly Guy Sheftall's deep intellectual discussion regarding Gender Talk was informative and thought provoking. The participating youth were truly a testament and reminder of why we should work hard to shape the course of young lives. The exchange of dialogue between adults and youth was not only expressive but highly enlightening. Perhaps many years ago forums such as Saturday's were catalyst leading up to the May 17, 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Do you remember Brown?" - Sherry D. Akins, NAACP National Brown v. Board Project Coordinator

“It was very gratifying to spend some time with young teens who are doing constructive work, who are engaged with social issues, and who see a bright future for themselves”. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Ph. D., Founding Director, Women Research and Resource Center, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

“On two occasions, I have had the privilege of working with the group, and I firmly believe that your leadership, coupled with the intellectual fervor of the young people, make a winning combination for achieving academic excellence”. B.J. Bolden, Ph. D., Associate Professor of English, Chicago State University

“I wanted to thank you again for the creative Say It Loud! youth summer writers series that you provided for the Cornelia Crenshaw Library. As a result of these classes, the youth were able to express themselves through writing, learn how to better deal with their emotions, and have a great time at the library”. - Carmelita Broussard, Agency Manager, Cornelia Crenshaw Library, Memphis, TN

“Please let the youth who worked so hard to produce books of poetry, the newspaper, the CD’s, and the radio show know that their words are touching the lives of many people they will never see or know”. - Don Crary, Executive Director, New Futures for Youth, Little Rock, AR

“I would like to thank you for the excellent presentation you made on “Grant Writing Basics” as a featured speaker for the Brown Bag Lunch Series of our Program of Professional and Technical Writing here at Chicago State”. - Dr. Brenda Eatman Aghahowa, Assistant Professor of English and Coordinator, Program of Professional and Technical Writing, Chicago State University

“Allow me to take this opportunity to inform you of the profound impact that the youth in your Say It Loud! program had on the City of Birmingham during your visit with us last week. It was truly a life-altering experience to witness the transformational artistic powers of Say It Loud! youth, not only their peers, but also the adults who were in attendance”.
Groesbeck P. Parham, M.D., Professor and Avon Scholar, University Alabama-Birmingham

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