"When Neal stood up and read his work, it electrified the room.
The passion with which he spoke and the incisiveness
of his use of language were obvious for all to see."
"It was in fact an honour for me to have heard a brave black American speaking out for what is right. I must thank you for the wonderful collection of poems that you wrote and would be read not just by Americans, black, white and any other race and ethnic group in the USA, but by people of the world from elsewhere as well."
"Your voice, upon first hearing it, changes lives and belongs to all of humanity. I will carry the memory—and the power— of your opening day Poem with me forever. More than anything, keep that voice of yours safe and protected. It is a 'lighthouse' in a world that immerses itself deeper and deeper into the fog."
"This is poetry that scalds you into waking up to the possibility
that you are perhaps one of those silent spectators. All in all he is a poet.
And unquestionably one of the most significant voices of the century."
"I was moved by your passion, both in terms of the content and delivery of your poetry. Thanks for letting us get a glimpse of your immense poetic talents at the event. Blackness in West Coast Canada (scattered and often muted compared to the rest of Canada) desperately needs to hear from voices like yours. In Solidarity..."
"At the Bengaluru Poetry Festival I met a wonderful American poet,
Dr. Neal Hall whose voice must be heard worldwide.
Not only is he a powerful poet, his recitation is as charged."
"We were fascinated and moved by the impressive language and Neal's fantastic way of reading the poems, but also thoughtful about the message of them. Neal's appeals have a lasting effect on me and my students' minds. Thank you for 'provoking' us and making us rethink some aspects of life."
"I find your poetry is so powerful, I can only dip into it for a short time before coming up for air, as you speak of the continuing overt and covert prejudice and inhumanity we show towards each other. It brings me to a place of examination of that side in my life where I may have held another’s life less precious than my own."
"Nigger For Life is a literary masterpiece that captures the truth
of the experiences of one race in the hands of the other.
It will continue to prick the conscience of the guilty."
"I included poems, from Nigger for Life, into my curriculum alongside our section on Race Matters. My students loved your work! It energized and disturbed the class, and was the topic of discussion for a good amount of time. I am humbled by the strength, power of your words in my classroom."
“When you were introduced to speak, I gave my attention to some distractions around me, but when you started speaking, your voice brought my attention to the moment. Your literary voice is one that resonates and compels all to listen without you actually saying so. It is prophetic! As a writer myself, I knew straight away that you are a great poetic prophet and a voice for the voiceless. You've done so much for humanity, now and in the future.”
"I was deeply moved by the gift of your words, so like a polished diamond: clear, sharp precious and multifaceted. Srijan is blessed by your gift, as am I - your breath, enunciated with such power and honesty will remain with me until I am conscious."
"Your poetry readings moved me a lot and that afternoon while you were reading I watched you and suddenly I felt the pain, the sorrow, the cruelty, the evil, the oppression your ancestors and all Black people and you have had to bear so far. Your deep voice entered "inside" me, my heart, my soul with force and I thank you for the wonderful gift you have made to me. I have met a special person, a great friend. From time to time persons enter my life suddenly and elevate me like you!"