"As parents, we thought it beneficial for our son to learn the full scope of African American history. We wanted him to be proud of his black history and see all the great things African Americans have accomplished. We heard about Dr. Rumble’s 90-Day program entitled “The Untold Story: The Journey of the African American-Their Struggle, Resilience and Hope” and signed our son up.

Dr. Rumble is an incredible educator that possesses a wealth of knowledge. Each session was engaging and interactive. Our son learned so much and his confidence and pride was uplifted. He was encouraged to do his very best. He was challenged to allow the greatness within to come forth. The lessons offered in this program are necessary. It encourages young people, to be proud of their history and teaches them that they can achieve great things because of those who went before them and have paved the way.

You and your child will really benefit from working with Dr. Rumble. It is an opportunity you do not want to miss. We look forward to future sessions with Dr. Rumble and Academy of Hope."  - Stefanie & Ricky Louis

"I enjoyed working with Dr. Merle because she is a great teacher and knows a lot about black history. I learned about outstanding African Americans like Thurgood Marshall and Mary McLeod Bethune just to name a few.

This class helped me understand more about my African American History and how there is so much greatness in the lives of so many people I’d never learned about in school. I am proud of who I am and my culture.

Dr. Merle helped me appreciate my heritage." - Rylan Louis, 7th Grade

"Our family was invited to participate in Dr. Rumble’s 90-Day Transformational Experience- “The Untold Story-The Journey of African American-Their Struggle, Resilience and Hope”. We were excited to embark upon this journey and learn about African American History with our daughter, Abby, and we loved the fact that we could learn about a different history and culture together as a family. We believed it was important for Abby to learn African American history because it is an essential part of American history that she does not learn in school. Through this class, we became more knowledgeable about the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans. We also learned so much about ourselves and our ability to overcome challenges no matter how big or small. It is a good lesson for our children and for adults as well. No matter how unjust and unfairly you are treated, you cannot let that define you. Instead, be persistent, move forward and be courageous to overcome every barrier and obstacle.

Our sessions were interactive and engaging. Dr. Rumble brought each session to life, sharing her own experiences of the many historical African American sites she has visited. Some of our weekly discussions included slavery, the emancipation, the reconstruction, the great migration, and the Harlem Renaissance. We also learned about Great African Americans and their many contributions to America.

From Dr. Rumble’s program, our daughter, Abby, learned that there is greatness within her and that she can be anything she desires to be with confidence and determination if she keeps moving forward." - Juan and Emma Sanchez

"I enjoyed the Black history class that I took with my mom & dad. That was actually one of the best parts, learning and spending time with them. It was great that it was a family affair. Dr. Merle taught us so many things.

I enjoyed learning about all the different people that changed the world for African Americans. People like Thurgood Marshall, Benjamin Banneker, George Washington Carver, Mary McLeod Bethune and Sojourner Truth, just to name a few. We can look to them as role models.

Although it was sad that African Americans had to suffer just because of the color of their skin, one thing I truly learned; they never gave up and they worked hard to make a difference in our world today." - Abigail Sanchez, 7th Grade

"When we first heard about a class teaching Black history to youth, we wanted our sons to enroll in this unique class because it was important for them to learn about their heritage and appreciate those who paved the way before them. Our sons learned about the African American struggles and resiliency. The weekly lessons encouraged and empowered them to know that they do not have to lose hope when they encounter situations in life, which may challenge their worth as young African American males. They need to know how to succeed in a sometimes-hostile environment.

During each session they were constantly reminded of their value and the greatness that lives within them. They learned about great African American people in history and of their many accomplishments. This encouraged them to think about who they would like to become and set goals for their future. This class brings great value to this generation of youth. As a woman who grew up in Kenya, I learned so much those times when I participated in the lessons with my sons. I have a greater appreciation for my African American brothers and sisters who have stood against all odds. This 90-day program was a great experience for my sons." - Thomas and Mary Hudson

"I liked working with Dr. Merle because she made group time fun and engaging, while giving me a better understanding of African American history. I learned about many different people like Langston Hughes, Frederick Douglass and the Tuskegee Airman. These were great African American men who had a great impact on American History that I had not learned about in school.

Learning about their accomplishments inspired and motivated me. If they could succeed in life and overcome the many challenges they faced, I know I can achieve great things as well.

Dr. Rumble’s 90-Day Transformational Program was beneficial. This is a great program to be involved in and I enjoyed it!" - Ethan Hudson 10th Grade

"Dr. Rumble is an awesome teacher with an amazing teaching style. She teaches about the African American culture and history with great passion and clarity. Her course was refreshing, exciting and inspirational. As a teacher myself I had some knowledge of my culture, but I still had many questions and as they often say, you at times don’t know what you don’t know. This was true for me. As a result of being a part of this program I learned so much information about people and events that I thought I knew but, I only knew a limited amount. This course motivated and inspired me. I was able to share this experience with my granddaughter who is in elementary school. The sessions were interactive and quite interesting. We learned so much about African American history.

A valuable thing my granddaughter learned was how others before us laid a great foundation and paved the way for her generation and generations to come. Dr. Rumble did an amazing job. We are waiting with great anticipation for the next session." - Rev. Kim S. Bond & Summer A Souffrant – 4th Grade

"I’ve known Doctor Merle Rumble for over thirty years. We both go to the same church and although I consider her a friend, I can truthfully say without bias, that she’s a woman of integrity who genuinely has a passion to learn. She’s known to spend entire days in museums soaking in as much information as possible. In fact, wherever Dr. Rumble may travel to, that travel always includes hours visiting the local museums and historic sites. I know this firsthand, having been her travel companion on a few of these trips. Her excitement to know the history of people and places is never ending. She brings this same excitement into her program.

Whatever the subject matter, whether it be African American History, American History, Bible study, etc., Dr. Rumble has the unique ability to make what could be boring, oh so interesting! She doesn’t give her students manufactured information. She brings what information she has into real life where it’s easy to grasp and understand. Her transparency and honesty make learning fun. "

Alana M.

Bridgeport, CT

"Dr. Rumble did a great job helping me learn about myself and other great leaders. She shared valuable information and history with me and pushed me to want to do better. I enjoyed doing activities that caused me to focus on my personality and my strengths as I learned about great people who went before me. It was a great learning experience working with Dr. Rumble. After finishing a session with her I would want to run a mile!

Dr. Rumble is a great teacher! There are so many children and youth who need someone like her to push them and show them the greatness they have within. Thanks Dr. Rumble for pulling the greatness out of me!"