Hello Kwame,

My name is Kwami Mensah. I'm CEO of KineticMINDS, a software development company, based in Maryland. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. I'm sure you recognize the similarity in our names. I can't begin to tell you what an ice breaker it has been just to introduce myself. HA! I always get the same reaction, "Oh, Kwame, as in the guy on The Apprentice". Thanks for doing so well on the show and making it easier for people to spell, pronounce and recognize my name. Thanks also for inadvertently helping me initiate and close many deals. I guess a check would be better, but under the circumstances, you might have to settle for a plain old "thank you" and drinks the next time you are in Maryland.

All the best,
Kwami Mensah

Note: Kwame's reply is in the Forum - "Talk it up with Kwame"

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Mr. Jackson,

After listening to you on air last night on the BBC radio with Jeff Schuman, I must say that the sky's is the limit for you and I must agree with you in terms of networking. Am currently on the operations side (i.e. back office) of the business. I tried to phone in last nite but as Jeff said about the poor line connections. I understand your hectic schedule but if you could please liaise with me via email. My main point is just to establish how I can achieve my goals, ie sales/ trading.. I trust that your trip to the UK has lived up to your expectations.

Kind regards,
J.H. ~ Citigroup

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Hey Kwame,

This is H. from South Africa. I wanted to congratulate you on making all the Ghanaians proud! Keep well and may God continue to bless you as he will bless me.

H.

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Mr. Jackson,

I just listened to you speak to American University students, and was very impressed. I learned a lot about calculated risk and just life lessons in general. I enjoyed it and I wanted to thank you for coming.

Sincerely,
J.B.

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Hi Kwame

I am a Ghanaian living in South Africa and caught the Apprentice show only on the second last show. I am currently busy with my MBA at Wits Business School, and as we had lectures on Wed night (same night the Apprentice shows on telly), I unfortunately missed most of the show.

I liked your personality, energy and the way you conducted yourself, but I was especially drawn to you because of your name,which is Ghanaian. Are any of your relatives Ghanaian perhaps, or were you named after Kwame Nkrumah, the Ghanaian revolutionary? Very interested to know that.

I wish you all the very best in your endeavours. As you can gather from the various emails, you have numerous fans here in South Africa, so you should consider coming to pay as a visit...

All the best once again.

Regards
A.P.

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Kwame,

Gostaria de parebenizá-lo pela exelente participação em "O Aprendiz".

A.

Translation = "I'd like to congratulate you for your excellent participation in The Apprentice."

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Kwame

I am a Zimbabwean, University of South Africa (UNISA) B Compt Final year student and having just finished watching the final episode of the Apprentice, You Kwame has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that our personal conduct in the workplace and away determines our success. Though you did not win the DT post, you were the WINNER in more ways that one. Having gone thru the other letters, I have concluded that God did not give you the DT post for a reason. You did not receive that post because it would have hindered you true achievement. You were brought in to inspire the world.

Thru watching you in the TV show, I have vowed to myself to ALWAYS rise above office squabbles and focus on the problem and not name-calling. Name-calling has never solved a problem and you proved just that. Focus on the task. There are more than our fair share of Amarosas in the workplaces but how we handle them determines whether we accomplish the task or not, and with our dignity and pride.

Your conduct was commendable beyond words. You showed what a tru professional was.

Your commitment to friendship was heartwarming. May the best man win is your policy and The best men won.

J.M. - Zimbabwe

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Kwame,

You have done a tremendous service for inspiration. I was unable to see all of "The Apprentice" shows that you were on, but I can tell from the way you put it in perspective, "that it's not a ceiling, it's a floor", that we all need something to take us to the next level if that's ones desire. A challenge is a great thing to waste and if you have met the challenge and are using it for all its potential you can reap great rewards with follow through. Along with your astute business posture I believe you will reach the moon without a rocket! My experience in business over the years has resulted in success by meeting each challenge head on with tenacity and confidence which has propelled me to also write a book about the trials and tribulations I had to overcome during my on-going career. Mostly dealing with people (owners and managers) who purposely stood in the way and I found ways to get around or just plainly step on them to get by. I plan to also complete my book on!... these experiences and build on them as I continue to grow in business. I totally agree with you on this "Believing in oneself has the greatest sense of pleasure one can have and enjoy thoroughly." I am an accountant and this remains true "lie's don't figure and figures don't lie.'" Hope to hear from you.

Onward and upward.
N.E.

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Greetings from South Africa!

All I can say is WOW! I was truly impressed by your overall performance in the show, the season of which has just ended here. I thought you showed remarkable strength and character...... true leadership!

I was browsing through your website and was not surprised to read about all your achievements since the show. One wouldn't expect anything less from a man who showed such integrity and business savvy. I was truly inspired.

I am at present studying toward a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce at the historical University of Fort Hare in East London and am majoring in Information Systems and Accounting,so maybe one day we'll meet in the boardroom...who knows!

Best of luck to you!
Petula

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Dear Kwame

I am an undergraduate student at the National University of Lesotho who after having watched every episode of the apprentice thinks that does not need to go to Harvard Business because I think I got everything from you. Man I wish you success in every venture you shall undertake from now on.

Chefa (UK)

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Dear Kwame T. Jackson:

I am a realtor in PG county and followed the Apprentice since the beginning and so far the show that you were on is by far the best one yet. I am writing to commend you and your partners in playing a part in the revitalization of our county.
Congratulations and best wishes.

G.D.

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Hi Kwame,

How are you doing my man?! Hey,the Apprentice,1st season just finished here in South Africa.And you rock my world!!! I learned a lot from you and your conduct throughout the show. I am indeed proud of you.And i mean it. I am an aspiring entreprenuer who strongly believe that the sky is no longer the limit. I hope to meet you sometime when i visit USA.I actually intend to relocate to the States. By the way,i intend keeping in touch by this mean to continually seek your opinion,if its ok.

D.A.

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Dear Kwame,

It's January 2005 and the first season of the Apprentice has just ended on national television in Malaysia (very late indeed!).

I work as an executive in a major company here. I would like to say that watching you in the show has made me realise that many Malaysians in the organisation that I work for have the potential to work and lead as effectively. The word here is 'potential'. And in a country that is quickly developing, unleashing the potential is critical to the success of individuals, if not the country. I can safely say that to some here, your contribution to the show has done exactly that.

H.E.

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Dear Kwame,

I'm a 23 year-old marketing/advertising major from Kuwait. It is obvious to myself and millions of other people that you should have won in Apprentice's first season. Unfortunately the circumstances got in the way of you attaining what you so very deserved.

It just baffled me how they kept saying you were too calm... anyone with any sense of leadership should know that as a leader you should always remain calm in the face adversity. You have a team working under you that look up to you and if they see their leader folding under pressure, the whole effort could disintegrate.

Good luck with all your future business ventures. I can only hope that any future boss of mine will have your attitude and detail for professionalism.

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Dear Kwame,

my husband and i have just finished watching 'the apprentice' on dvd and wanted to let you know that you were simply outstanding. we think that you were let down by omarosa, but you showed great character by not putting her down on national television. we wish you well in all of your future endeavors.

R.R.

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From South Africa:

Would like to congratulate you Mr. Kwame

You have made me (as an African living in South Africa) a lot of proud! You are a good model for us (young Entrepreuners on the African continent.

Please, keep it up!
S.K.

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Kwame

I justed wanted to say, how well pleased I am with the vision that you have. I just started to watch the show for the first time, this season. I read the information about the vision that you have, and respect you for having a vision and carrying it out. You've inspired me to pursue some things that i've wanted to do. I love to write poetry and hope to write a book of poetry, for inspiration to others. I would also like to write a book about my life, to inspire other women. Thank you, for following through with the vision that was given to you and never forget who the true visionary is. God Bless!

L. D-L. (South Africa)

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Subject: The Carolina Way

Hi and congratulations!!

We are very proud of you and we would love to send you a complimentary copy of Gerald Bell (UNC MBA school professor emeriti) and Coach Dean Smith's new book, The Carolina Way, as a way of saying thanks for representing UNC in such a positive way. Let me know where I can forward it. B.H.
Business Manager

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Kwame

I am sure that you are very over The Apprentice but I just watched the finale & have the greatest respect for you - I am studying Finance in South Africa, so the show had resonance! I hope to, one day do an MBA at some point in my live... And have the great respect for you, as you have one from Harvard! I was trawling through your site & have wish you all the best in your endeavours - YOU ARE A SUCCESS!

All the best, Sincerely,
Alon

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Subject: Best Wishes

I imagine that you receive hundreds of emails everyday so I will keep it short. I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you and your accomplishments. I am not a t.v. watcher, but I look forward to tuning in on Thursday evenings to follow your success. Apprentice or not, Kwame Jackson is already a success in my book. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Coach H.B. ("Remember the Titans")

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Hi Kwame!

I watched every episode of The Apprentice and just wanted to say Congratulations!!! to you. You are a true winner in every way. You displayed true character and integrity throughout the show, and your friendship with Troy was so heartwarming. I was amazed at the class and character both you and Troy showed as friends and competitors. Wow, how refreshing that was to see on Reality TV! You proved that integrity does exist, and that a man can maintain his integrity and STILL be an incredible, successful and formidable businessman. I know you have a hugely successful future ahead of you and you deserve it!

Best of luck to you, Kwame!
K.H., Newark, Delaware (Yes, that little tiny FIRST STATE)

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Nupe,

I just want to say that I think your success is phenomenal..This is your frat, G.H. (Charlotte, NC)...and old head, tall Nupe, who remembers you, when I worked at the same McDonald's that you did, while you were in school, off of Idlewild Rd, when I was working for the then, First Union National Bank, and working at Mickey D's to make ends meet...Nupe, I remembered when you asked me about my brand on my arm...I saw your card from Procter & Gamble, and I reminded my wife, that you were the frat brother that I spent a hour "catching up", when you lived a street up from me on Montezuma Trail..you had your house for sale, I think when I saw you that day...Frat, you have grown into someone that I must say I am glad I knew/know...and proud to call you frat as well...I told Herman Springs about you..and he did NOT recognize you, until I told him to watch The Apprentice...Nupe, even though you did not win, your future is BRIGHT, and I wish you all continued success for the future..Stay Blessed, and Keep in Touch....hey, by the way the Theta Omicron Brothers are proud of you as well...from when I saw them last at Provincials...Phi Nu!

YITB,
G.H.

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Hi Mr. Jackson,

I am a high school student at Calvin Cooldge high shool. I am in the 12th grade. I was also born in Washington DC. My parents are from Nigeria. I just recently moved to Bowie, Maryland with my family. I have been admiring your good work and your apperarance on the Apprentice. I think that you did very well on the show. I want to go to the University of Maryland to study Business Administration. I want to be a entrepreneur someday. I want to own my own Real Estate Organization or Company. I would love to work with you by the grace of God. I know that you are a busy man, but I would love to meet you and I really hope that you can give me advice.

N.I.O.

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Mr. Jackson,

I just wanted to thank you for coming and speaking at Elizabethtown College last night. Leadership and the ability to raise the bar are ideals that are commonly preached, but you put a unique spin on them. You also have the ability to capture your audience's attention from start to finish. More importantly, I believe you inspire others with your story. I wish you the best with Legacy Holdings, and I hope that someday - not anytime soon - you can look back and be satisfied with all you've accomplished.
Sincerly,
A.K.
Elizabeth College Class of 2006

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Dumela (Greetings) Kwame

What an inspiration you are to me. I wish you all the best in your life. I hope that one day you visit South Africa, particularly Soweto, to give some of your talks to the township's young aspirant entrepreneurs. I can only imagine the impact. You have already had an impact in the career /business lifes of a few people that I know, myself included.

Ms S. M.

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Kwame,

Can't wait for your new book. When will it be published? Want you to do a book signing tour when it comes out. Please, please include the capital city Columbia, S.C. in your book signing tour dates. Would like to be able to get your autograph for my new book of yours! Need book tour details please asap! I know you are working hard at various projects but you must take time to visit here in Columbia, S.C., just a few miles from your Charlotte hometown!

M.

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Hi Kwame,

Just discovered your website and was impressed. I must say I am impressed and wish you all the best with your work. I am a Zimbabwean living in UK and have an MBA in marketing. You have inspired me and given me that push to do something for my self. I might get in touch with you one day and get some advice. Keep up the good work.

best wishes
connie

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Kwame,

Whats up? DO you remember me? ---lol. I am Sam P. and my brothers are Ernest and John P., we all went to East Meck in 90-92. We all used to ride the bus together remember--lol? I wanted to take the time to just say I appreciate your realness and never forgeting your roots. I know sometimes when people reach success they forget about people but you have not. I have not seen you in years but I am definetly proud of you and all the African-Americans from the 28211 zip code--lol. I hope you keep my email addres and stay intouch with me. I have some ideas I would love to shoot pass you just to see what you think. Again, I am proud of you my brother and keep it strong and keep it real.

Sam P.

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Mr. Jackson,

I understand you are a busy man so I will make this short and sweet. I am a junior at Ohio University and we have been watching episodes of "The Apprentice" in management class in order to learn appropriate business behaviors. After each episode we are given tasks to accomplish in teams that are very similar to the actual tasks you were assigned on the tv show. We have been told that extra credit will be rewarded to any team that can get an on-screen participant to e-mail a quick letter wishing us good luck on our next task(which happens to be the negotiating 101 task).

B.D.

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Kwame,

I can't help myself. I'm overjoyed for you. I wanted you to win, and yet I didn't because I thought even better opportunities would come your way if you weren't hired by You Know Who.

You are a delightful man. Handsome, well educated (of course) but more than anything your integrity and sense of self are palpable. You are everything you describe yourself to be in your bio. Your antics and friendship with Troy were charming even moving me to tears sometimes.

I'm a mature, Puerto Rican woman who never had children, but I would be so proud to have had a son like you. As a matter of fact your dearly departed mother and I share the same first name, Marilyn. She made awsome strides for herself and one of them is you.

I hope we see more of you on the screen, big or small. God bless you in all your endeavors.

M. G.

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Kwame,

I really thought you were going to win. Usually I'm right on these things! Of course, I'm sure you know what your only mistake was and I'm sure you will learn from it. Although you must admit, every show needs a villain! And was she ever wrongheaded in most situations. In fact, in some ways she was the antithesis of you.

Anyway, I want to let you know that while I really don't believe in race (I tend to believe natural categorization should end at species) and wouldn't say something as a daft as, "you are a credit to your bla, bla, bla". I do want to acknowledge a fresh perspective you may have given this country. I must reluctantly and sadly admit the realities of a separation between "races" (though to a lesser extend today) still exists in America, but who you are; your attitude, your success and your personality (that was shown in context of the show) have actually made a difference in moving the ball forward to better harmony in this country. You were only one thing, a damn good businessman. That is what America saw, and that my friend is very good.

I applaud all we saw of you in this wonderful show. I'm sure we will hear about Kwame Jackson for a very long time. Good job,

C.S.

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Dear Mr. Jackson:

You are a wonderful example of integrity, team fairness and hard work. You are that living example of a great leader that all the Harvard Business Studies talk about yet seems so rare in the real work world.

Congratulations to you for keeping true to your convictions. I wish you all the success in the world. Whatever you do I know that your employees will have a better working environment and that your employer will have more stable success and less headaches with you in charge.

Personally I could never, would never work for D. Trump but I would be happy to work with you. By the way I am a women, white and 50. Quality has not barriers or boundaries.

Congratulations and all the best to you.

M.T.

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Dear Mr. Jackson,

I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to watch and the other contestants compete on the apprentice. I was pulling for you and Troy the whole way. You not winning the role as Mr.. Trumps apprentice is probably a better thing then most people think.

To get to the point, I was wondering if you had any political aspirations? If so I hope you lean toward the conservative side of things. That be the case or not, if you are the man I saw portrayed in the series you would make a great President.

Good luck in you future endeavors,

J.R.
Seattle, WA

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Kwame:

Given the huge volume of emails you likely receive I am not sure you will have the time to go through this one - so I'll take the liberty of summarizing my message:

• My son and I are of Asian descent and remain inspired by your achievements and he sees you as a role model for people of color in America
• The impact your success has had on him is remarkable and I want for him to build on that and make a positive impact on this world
• Meeting you in person would be a dream come true for him and I know would give him the boost to do well in all aspects of his life
• As immigrants we just haven't had a chance to meet people at your level and with your accomplishments and your goals The impact you can have on a young (14 years old) Asian can be just amazing if you would accept our request.

Really, I cannot say more than that - not wealth, not social position or power just simple motivation to have a lifelong impact on someone who sees you as a shining example to be followed - someone who has shown it can be done and can be done with grace, and self confidence and MOST OF ALL cultural pride and a deep respect for one's ethnic background.

Will leave it at that to respect your time and leave the rest up to you.

Respectfully

S.T.

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Subject: YOU ARE STILL A WINNER! just found ... Circa April 2004

Kwame,

I hope you know that the entire INROADS family was cheering you on last night. We were disappointed at what happened but, I wanted to personally commend you for the way you performed week after week!

You are an awesome person and I am glad that you maintained your integrity during the process. You were, "cool, calm and collected" and you will be successful in ANYTHING you choose to do. As an INROADS alumni, you are a great role model for the interns because you did not compromise your standard of excellence! Those are the things that we teach in INROADS. There were many lessons learned in those 3 months and I hope that you will share your victories and experiences with us!

Can't wait to meet you at an INROADS event! Continue to BE BLESSED and allow God to order your footsteps!

Sincerely,

J.P.
Managing Director
INROADS/Dallas-Ft. Worth, Inc.

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Kwame,

I just wanted to wish you a "job well done" for your success on "The Apprentice". It was especially appealing that your name became synonymous with the successes that can be earned from a college education. I'm an online college instructor and often see students withering from their course work. Your success demonstrates to my students that there's more to gain than simply a higher paycheck, an essential lesson for my students who come from blue collar and farming communities desiring a better way of life.

Congratulations and good luck in your endeavors.

Barb S.
Caro, Michigan

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DEAR KWAME:

I HAVE WATCHED YOU WEEK AFTER WEEK AND I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE DEFINITELY A CLASS ACT. I WAS SO INSPIRED BY YOU KWAME THAT I AM NOW GOING BACK TO COLLEGE TO GET MY DEGREE.

I WAS ONCE A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO WHO WAS ADDICTED TO DRUGS. ALTHOUGH I NO LONGER INDULGE A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD NOT LET ME FORGET MY PAST. SINCE THEN I HAVE STARTED MY OWN COMPANY CALLED SHAMIRACLES. I TOOK MY TRAGEDY AND TURNED IT INTO TRIUMPH. SHAMIRACLES IS A COMPANY WHERE I SELL MY OWN POETRY ON TSHIRTS, CUPS, BOOKMARKS ETC.

MY CHILDREN ARE WELL ON THEIR WAY TO BECOMING "KWAME'S" WHICH IS AN HONOR FOR ME. MY SON JUST RECENTLY STARTED AN INTERNET BUSINESS AND MY DAUGHTER HAS 51 SCHOLARSHIPS SO FAR AND SHE IS ONLY 16. I SAY THIS BECAUSE I AM SO INSPIRED BY THE FACT THAT YOU GOT AS FAR AS YOU DID DESPITE YOUR TRAGEDIES.

YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD. GOD BLESS YOU. KWAME (KINDNESS, WISDOM, AFFLUENT, MAN OF HONOR, ETERNALLY BLESSED) KWAME

HAVE A GOOD DAY.

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Carlos, Terry, Kwame, Ed and AG, it was great kicking it with you at lunch yesterday. Kwame, thanks again for the eats. Glad to have had a chance to catch up with you all. Here is the flick from the restaurant.

Kappa Fellowship

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Hey Kwame,

You probably don't remember me from B-school, but congratulations on the Apprentice. What a show and/or experience! You did a great job representing all HBS'ers out there!

N.P.

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Hi Kwame,

My son, Isaiah, really looks up to you. He watched the final episode of the Apprentice and was totally disappointed in Donald Trump for not hiring you. You have a dedicated fan.

We live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and he was excited that you are also from North Carolina. Isaiah is 10 years old. He is an incredible child. He is a Boy Scout and plays ice hockey. His grandfather is an artist and he loves to paint and to draw. He decided at a young age that he wanted to be an Architect. He has always enjoyed drawing and designing buildings, etc. Last weekend Isaiah went online to find a college that offers Architecture and has an ice hockey team. Of course, he would love to attend Harvard. He is so motivated and focused and I am incredibly proud of him.

I obtained an Associate's Degree after high school. I always wanted a Bachelor's Degree and went back to college 5 years ago. I worked fulltime and attended college at night for the past 5 years. I will finally graduate from Salem College in May. I want Isaiah to realize how important it is to get a college education. No one can take away a person's knowledge.

Isaiah has grown up in a single parent home. He does not see his father. It is so important to me that he have positive male role models in his life. You are one! You have been quite an inspiration to him and I just felt like you should know that. He said that he would love to have the chance to meet you someday. If you are ever speaking in North Carolina we would like to be there.

Thank you for inspiring my son! I wish you much success and happiness.

S.W.

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Subject: congratulations

I JUST COMPLETED CHEMO THIS WEEK AND AM A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR I WAS VERY TOUCHED AFTER READING ABOUT YOUR MOM WHO DIED OF CANCER IF SHE WAS ALIVE TODAY SHE WOULD BE OVERJOYED AND PROUD OF YOU TELL ME WHAT DOES THE NAME KWAME MEAN? GOOD LUCK
AURBURN44

-- Kwame: Translated roughly into "Born On Saturday"

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Kwame

I have never written or tried to get into contact with someone I have seen on TV. I've always felt like that was too groupie-like. I have to say, however that you made all brothers look good, in absolutely every way possible. I am 33 and successful, from California, and from day one I considered you as "folks". Number one, you never bad mouthed anyone.

You kept it real, even though Omarosa, was a "Space Cadet" you never dissed or confronted the sister on TV. We all know there are enough bad stereotypes and images out there bringing our queens and mothers down, in addition to too much of us turning on each other. You countered that by keeping your cool, even when the rest of us really wanted you to let her have it. (verbally) In my mind I knew you held back because the camera's were there. I admire that to the fullest. We all need to act with that much presence of mind when it comes to what images are shown to the public about us. Almost every reality show has a brother on the show that cannot keep a healthy balance between blending in, and bumping heads with the rest of the cast, but you did it with ease and class. This was one of the best representations of a positive, intelligent, non-confrontational, successful young black brother that I have ever seen portrayed on TV, and I thank you for putting that out there and giving us a sense of pride. I know the editors have the final say regarding what is aired, but it's obvious that you didn't give them anything negative to work with. On behalf of all of us I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We needed that. You will go a long way Kwame. You have no idea how much you affected black america by being yourself. We all know who really won. Thanks to you, we all won, and you cannot put a price on that. Stay up playa...

A. H.

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Hi Kwame,

I have to say a few things bro. Number one, you were the class act of the apprentice. You didn't win unfortunately, but you played the game fair and the manner in which you conducted yourself was second to none. Secondly, I am a physician from Canada, and I have to say, I also have an appreciation for your clothing style. What's your secret with that? Wow, hook me up. Anyway, all the best with your future endeavors.

Warm regards,
Jarret

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Mr. Jackson,

I watched your performance on the Apprentice and I am so proud of you! I am a 21 year old active duty soldier and college student. I also move furniture for a local company in Maryland. Sometimes I get discouraged, because my goals seem so hard to accomplish. I have so many! You prove that success is in arms reach and I am so proud of you. I enjoy seeing a young black role model that is not a musician or athlete, sometimes besides Oprah, I feel musicians and athletes are the only success stories now days. I am praying for you and I hope you continue to do good things. God Bless You!

Respectfully,

D.G.

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I think you did great on the show. WOW! A Kappa! I use to date a Kappa and he was really fun. Are you partners Kappas too? They are really fine. Nice website. Better then your other castmates. I see you are doing the African Forum for GE. Well that is where I am currently employed and I think that is really great that you are doing a speak and also for InRoads.

A.

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Note:
These letters came in from the Contact Formpage, and are not spellchecked or adjusted for grammar, but represented in original form where possible. Thanks eveyone for all your kind words.

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