Testimonials
Over the past three years that I’ve attended the Oakland Program, I’ve witnessed an impressive evolution of the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame to the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame; an evolution that has expanded and enriched the ceremonial program and its impact.
What I appreciated most about the 2011 program was the quality of the ceremony, the speeches and comments of the honorees and inductees, both historical and humorous, plus the Hall of Fame Overview presented in the opening video. Y.A. Tittle was a hoot! But really, it was an outstanding class…as are they all. The MESHOF jackets were a beautiful special addition this year. What an honor to have Mayor Jean Quan attend to recognize Former Councilmember-At-Large Henry Chang. It was gratifying to see them acknowledge the importance of the Hall of Fame for Oakland, where so many outstanding athletes and community leaders flourish.
I recall that 2010 marked the first year that white athletes were inducted. Their descriptive, sometimes unsettling stories of the racism they confronted as team members with African American athletes were riveting—-historical footnotes probably seldom heard in a public forum. For me it was not only a powerful testament of the sportsmanship and character that most of the athletes demonstrated, but the power of sports to transform culture and society. I felt so proud to be associated with the Hall of Fame at that significant transition point.
I commend Arif Khatib for his unwavering commitment and consistency to recognize athletic achievement and community service; cultivating relationships to build support and producing an excellent program showcasing excellence and achievement. It seems that the establishment of a home for the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame is now closer to fruition. Congratulations!
Respectfully,
Harriet Tubman Wright, MS, MA,
Director, The Wright Business, Events with Spirit
Transforming Ordinary Events to Extraordinary Experiences
Thanks so much to you Arif, for a wonderful experience for me and for the young people that attended the luncheon. It was a lifetime memory and a unique opportunity to connect our legacy to our future. If at all possible, I would like to have a mailing address for you and the “Hall” so that students may send their personal thanks to you and their reflections of the occasion.
I am humbled by the honor and inspired by the charge and examples set before us by the inductees and the honorees!
CHA
Carrie Harris Allen, Principal
Crenshaw High School
“Home of the Mighty Cougars”
Dear HOF,
I support Mr. Khatib in his efforts to honor the many unsung heroes who are often omitted or forgotten by the media. These are individuals who have made just as many and sometimes even more sacrifices on route to becoming the Best they could be, but didn’t get the Olympic gold, nor the Super Bowl ring, or the NBA championship. Yet, without these individuals to compete against, there would not be the top caliber of competition.
Congrats to Arif on recognizing that void in our society. I have made a contribution to his efforts, and as I have told Arif, I intend to work with him in future endeavors.
All the best,
Lacey O’Neal
Olympian
Member of MESHOF’s Hall of Fame
Arif,
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of such a special event! Everything was perfect. I know it takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes to put an event on. You did a beautifull job. Thank you again.
Adia Barnes
Seattle June 13
Hi,
Kudos to you both for a job well done!
- The Venue and its staff did their very best and that coupled with the view & the weather produced welcoming and lovely setting.
- The central area location made your commitment to Community Support clear and genuine.
- The Food was presented very will, had a great balance, ample supply and was delicious.
- The MC was most appropriate for the occasion.
- 100% participation from all Honorees and Inductees was noteworthy, rare and a highlight.
- The awards were Classy!
- The printed programs were informative and well done.
- The flowers and auction items were special and added greatly to the affair
- Our bartender was flexible gracious and most efficient
- The punctuality of the program’s schedule was commendable
- The “Can Do” spirit of all volunteers was heartwarming and allowed the smooth running of the event
- Arif’s acknowledgement of the local vendors and suppliers was “right on”
- The responses of the recipients and was the crowning moments of the entire program. Their sincerity and candor was rare and touching.
I had another appointment with family for dinner to celebrate an anniversary and had to slip away to be on time. It was my honor and pleasure to work with you both and see your efforts come together in such a well received and meaningful way. I hope you will have a chance to take ample time to rest and savior this outstanding success!!
Blessings and much Love,
Regina
Subj: What a Wonderful Affair
Dear Arif,
I hope by now you are able to relax….you deserve it! What a wonderful affair…all my friends and family had a great time and the dinner was delicious….really superb. I must thank you many, many times not only for the honor of my induction but for allowing me to share it with my son, sister and former athlete.
I expect to be in the Bay Area the first week of June and if you need a volunteer to work with your kids…give a clinic, or pep talk I would be happy to do so while I am there. Just let me know as soon as possible. It was so great to see Rosie after all these years and for that I also must thank you.
Best Regards,
Pat
Dear Arif, your event was 1st class and very educational. I was quite impressed!!
In fact, if you need volunteers for next year, I would be quite pleased to be one. I could provide introductions or anything else you might need.
To hear the stories of and about the athletes that played during the 50′s and what they endured was quite memorable. Also, to remember that it takes the good will and more importantly the activism of enough of other races for African Americans/Blacks to excel in the U.S. is important. It was indeed an honor to be acknowledged in the same program with the athletes.
My best,
Alona Clifton