Germantown Academy welcomed author and performer MK Asante to campus where he presented to MS and US students and served as the keynote speaker at the annual Black History Month celebration for GA families. A native Philadelphian, MK brought heart, passion, intelligence, and wisdom to the day.

Asante is a best-selling author (Buck: A Memoir), award-winning filmmaker, recording artist, and distinguished professor whom the Los Angeles Times calls “One of America’s best storytellers.” He is currently a tenured professor of Cinematic Arts and Sciences at Morgan State University. His newest book, Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony, was released in May 2024. 

Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 was an audience member during Asante’s keynote speech at the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) annual board meeting last year and knew immediately that he wanted him to speak at GA. 

“MK Asante was a dynamic, compelling speaker in all three community events during his visit, sharing thoughts on how he found his purpose, the connection between ‘observation’ and ‘obligation,’ and the joy he finds in manipulating language to create new meanings,” said Schellhas. “Particularly poignant were Professor Asante’s stories about his family and his unexpected mentor, Dr. Maya Angelou. It was a definite highlight watching him interact with students during Q&A sessions, in the hallways, and in a student affinity luncheon. I know he inspired many of our students, faculty, and parents even in just the course of one day.”

Asante is one of three special guests of the 2024-25 Head of School Speaker Series. We look forward to next welcoming Stuart Gibbs, author of the Spy School series, on April 9.