Khotso Khabele

Hard to believe this gentle, brilliant, kind man is gone! Sending prayers and love to Khotso Khabele’s dear family, his sister Inonge Khabele, and his precious grandmother Mrs. Bertha Sadler Means. Feel so grateful that I got to spend some time with him earlier this year. I can still see his radiant, beautiful smile and his elegant, loving and thoughtful manner. So smart. So creative. Such a courageous seeker of truth. May you be blessed on your journey home, beautiful Khotso! "O Lord, glorify his station, shelter him under the pavilion of Thy supreme mercy, cause him to enter Thy glorious paradise, and perpetuate his existence in Thine exalted rose garden, that he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries." Bahá'í prayer for the departed.

Yesterday the world as I know it changed. The world I lived in before was inhabited by one of the most beautiful and enlightened souls whom I have been blessed to call my friend. And yesterday I learned he left this world and left a sadness and emptiness my heart cannot bear.

Letsie my dear friend, I'm not sure what a world without you is going to look like. You were and are light and love. From the day we became friends many many years ago as teenagers and started running together in Lesotho you were magical and ethereal even then as young as you were. You captured my soul and each time we ran together it was like the world couldn't touch us. We pushed each other to run further and further and I remember how we said we would run to Roma together. Oh, the freedom and bliss. Running with you was a magical treat and we didn't want to stop because it meant that moment that was just ours would stop.

The last time I saw you we talked about those beautiful moments running together and how much they meant and still do to both of us. I was so glad you remembered them just as I had because then I knew I hadn't imagined the cocoon we created for ourselves as we ran and in that special space that was just ours. I fell in love with your spirit and soul then and our friendship transcended time, distance and space.

But you lived my friend, lived like no one I know knows how to live. You did it all. You self-actualized and were and are the most incredible person I have ever known. Father son, friend, brother. You may have achieved all that most people take a lifetime to achieve, but I do know that the world could have used a lot more of you.

I don’t know about Angel's on earth but I do know that you were one, because everything you touched was beautiful. Everything you made including your children are beautiful. Everything you were was beautiful and the embodiment of love.

I will miss you every day, and more. I will miss your wisdom, your laugh, your smile your kindness, your energy, spirit and kind soul of light. I will come and say goodbye and I will share that part of you I knew with your family and your children. Because you left a piece of yourself with every single person whose life you touched and all our stories will take a lifetime to tell your children. And may they never stop meeting people who have a piece of you to share with them.

I will miss you my friend and love you till we meet again.

Robala ka khotso mokhotsi oa ka. Ha ke na mantsoe, ke bipetsane. Molimo a o boloke. O ne o se motho feela. O ne o le thaba ea motho. Serithi sa hao se ke be sa feela.

I don’t have the right words to express the grief of this loss so I’m sharing one of the many beautiful tributes I’ve been reading that really touched me. Khotso left such an enormous legacy and I know his beauty, love and light will be carried forward by his wonderful children and so many others whose lives he impacted. My heart goes out to Naledi, Tau, and Letsie, Inonge, Moya, and all of Khotso’s family. You are all so loved.

One memory I cherish of Khotso Khabele is when he recited a poem he wrote at an all school pitso. Well, recited isn’t the right word—he slammed that poem, with the passion and intensity that he brought to every single thing he did. The poem was about living life to the fullest, with intention and awareness of our mortality. The refrain to it was the voice of his heart, speaking, “I can only do this for so long. I can only do this for so long,” repeated each time it beat, as Khotso pounded his heart. “I can only do this for so long.” Khotso knew, and reminded us with the vibrancy and vigor he brought to life, that this gift we have is precious, and fleeting. We can only do this for so long.

Khotso changed the lives of so many people, so profoundly. It is thanks to him that I know what it is to truly be in community, with all the responsibilities, difficulties, and excruciating beauty that it entails. It is thanks to him that I know school can be something so much more than what it is for most people—a place where we learn to love, where we explore our humanity, challenge one another, and reckon with our deepest truths. Khotso saw what was beautiful in each of us and helped us see it in ourselves. He never hesitated to dream bigger than anyone else thought possible and proceed boldly ahead in bringing his visions to life. He helped me become a fearless leader, a listener, an authentic communicator, and showed me that we truly can create the world we want to live in, through the relationships we build with one another and with ourselves. Every single week I got to sit on the wood floor of the old studio and get my mind and heart blown right open by Khotso slinging so many truths at us. I feel so incredibly lucky that he was such an instrumental part of my growing up and becoming an adult.

I would say that the world has lost an incredible, almost blinding, light with Khotso’s passing, but I know deep in my heart that that isn’t true. Khotso shared his light with everyone he met. He spent authentic time with each and every person, to help them recognize and foster their own light. We all carry that with us. We all have stronger and brighter souls thanks to Khotso’s love and passion and honesty. I hope to channel Khotso’s light every day, in every interaction I have. I hope we all dream as big as we can possibly dream and keep Khotso’s soul alive through the work we do in the world and the way we build community. I feel such a deep pain, and such a deep gratitude. I love you so much, Khotso. I carry you with me, so close to my heart. Thank you for everything.

Beloved Inonge and family, I am truly at loss of words.. Khotso was such a pure soul I had a book 1 with him at the center few years ago, and he would come at lunch time once every week for a few months to study writings with me and Conkling’s just the four of us.. he was all soul .. he is with the Beloved now although it is very soon but rest assured that he is In the company of Beloved.. my thoughts and prayers are with you ..🙏🙏🌹🌹❤️❤️

I haven’t known what to say about Khotso's passing. He was my brother and always let me play the role of big sister and little sister. From letting me plan his birthday parties and attempting to help him organize all the things, to sharing his infinite sage wisdom with me on our old patio. I still can’t believe he’s no longer with us physically, but I still talk with him every day. I miss you so much Khotso, and instead of more words, I’ll let actions speak and step in where I can, as you stepped in for me so many times.

We have launched a gofundme to help support Khotso’s incredible kids and ease Khotso’s abrupt transition. Please consider donating if your life was impacted by this outstanding human.

Love you Khotso

Dear Khotso,

"You are The Best!" as you often said to me with a massive hug and toothy grin. I love you so much brother, and we feel you here with us in spirit. I posted this today on my timeline: May 16, 2020. The day my brother Letsie James “Khotso” Khabele bid this physical plane adieu. What a shock. The worst thing that could happen to me, just did. Now that it has, I don’t have to fear it anymore. It’s happened. It is done, and there is no undoing it.

Khotso my brother, my identical male twin four years my younger. No one knew me better. We loved the same music and read the same books and came to the same conclusions simultaneously, without telling each other.

Here I am, orphaned of my brother. Why is there no word for that? Now it’s just me and my sister Dineo. We are now an even number, and it feels so odd. So much is gone. I miss my brother, my friend. I miss our sibling team.

No more late-night phone calls stream-of-consciousness monologues of his. No more thoughtful gifts and intense listening to my struggles. No more nonsense-talk and deep spiritual and philosophical talk and just being, saying nothing. No more massive goofy smile of his and dancing and dinners at his house. No more bear hugs and no more joyful anticipation that we are going to spend time with him for a few hours, or a day, or however long. No more leaving from time with him, feeling utterly content in my spirit from his warmth, generosity, compliments and crazy ideas. Never again will I see him embrace my children and hear them speak affectionately about the latest funny thing their Malome (Uncle) had done. Never again will we sit on his back porch and project ourselves far into the future doing just that – watching our children’s children running around.

I miss his cooking and enthusiasm for life and insatiable appetite to know more and more and more. Khotso had big, marvelous dreams for all of us. He was my cheerleader. Whatever I was up to, he was enthused about. So much so, that I almost told him I planned on wearing potato sacks, growing potatoes and living off them. I was sure he’d say “Fantastic! You’ll be the very best… I see you becoming world-famous for teaching that!” Okay, that’s an exaggeration, to illustrate his encouragement and enthusiasm. Really, he told me I was a queen, and an amazing mother and sister and friend, and that whatever I chose to do, I would be absolutely fabulous at. He saw me as God sees me: amazing, brilliant, and lovable.

Khotso IS. Khotso is with us. Who, or how or where we would be without his love? I cannot imagine. What I can say is he loved us with everything he had, and he wasn’t shy to show it. I always knew that he was loved deeply, but until he passed away, I did not know just how. We have been overwhelmed. Khotso loved everyone the way he loved his family. He loved fully and unconditionally.

Khotso means Peace in Sesotho. He embodied it. He sometimes struggled to be with it. He invited it to live with and within him, and it did.

Our last long conversation was on his back porch. It was the week before he died, and we had our first argument since high school. I had a strong conviction that he did not agree with (a first). There was a lot of back-and-forth and the heat went up and so did the volume. Maybe the neighbors heard? We didn’t care! Khotso asked me: “How do you KNOW? How do you know… but HOW do you know?”

We were both correct, but neither of us was entirely correct. We talked it out and came to understand each other. It was harrowing and uncomfortable and confronting, but we came to a series of understandings, and agreements. I learned something knew, and he learned something new.

Our evening ended with musings about the state of this world. Lockdown was already under way, and far past the promised two-week shutdown to flatten the curve. We talked about the role of fear in remaking society and creating and furthering divisions. We talked about the food crisis via the destruction of livestock and crops by Covid-19 policies. We anticipated mass riots because as the late and great Bob Marley said: “A hungry man is an angry man.”

Khotso told me we were on the cusp of the golden age. When we begin seeing each other, being open-hearted and forgiving, then we will begin to take our sovereignty back. Fear is the only thing in our way. We have to recognize that. Examine what we fear, and why. Seek the answers. Be curious. Always begin with Love. Confused? Begin again, with Love.

We are eternal beings, never born and never to die. What’s to be afraid of? We construct reality with our minds. Our minds link up and we create, create, and create. What if we had the mindset that there is nothing to fear? Not even condemnation or shunning or ridicule? What if we focused on health and healing instead of disease?

I left my brother’s house buoyant. Something had fundamentally shifted in the last month of his life. Insights downloaded into him. The vision he’d had for decades crystalized, and the methodology flowed through him. His questions were answered, and he put his curriculum to paper. Gone were his residual insecurities. He stood his ground, and we had our first argument in decades. I felt happy for him and hoped he was proud. His indignation with me was righteous, and so was mine with him. Khotso was SOLID. He had established himself as how and who he wanted to be. He attained it. Humanity’s cheerleader’s work: complete.

Khotso laid the groundwork. He developed the philosophy and method called Koherence. He lived it. He lived well, and he left us with a gift and a legacy and a Way to triumph over this confusion and fear with Love.

Khotso left amazing work for us. He gave us a blueprint for how to be with each other in flow; how to solve our problems through respect, cooperation and love. We need his wisdom and compassion. We need Koherence.

I ache all the time, every day. Sometimes I still cannot believe this is our new reality. I want to hide from the world because I feel raw and vulnerable and fragile and I am mourning. Today has the number 16, just like the day he ascended to the higher realm three months ago. It’s time for me to stop hiding because there is much to do.

My family and I thank you for your outpourings of love.

I am available to speak with anyone who wants to know more about Khotso’s work, his company Ko, and how to be involved. He was part of so many beautiful communities, and it’s time everyone got to know each other during this seismic time.

Thank you Justin Humphrey, for the beautiful memorial videos.

Khotso e be le Lona Peace be with You

It is still hard to believe that Khotso Khabele is gone. He was a truly visionary educator and one of the most deeply ethical and caring people I ever met.

My promise to him upon learning of his unexpected passing in May was to do my part to help ensure that his beauty, wisdom and insights would continue to be shared with the world. I am grateful to Austin PBS for their commitment and support as we will be re-airing the Season 5 episode of Blackademics Television that featured Khotso and a few of his ideas. My very brief remarks will open the episode.

Please tune in if you can, at 6pm, Saturday June 20th, 2020 to the main Austin PBS Channel for this special rebroadcast.

I was just connected to Kim Love through a mutual friend and was inspired by an idea she posted on FB to honor Khotso: what if we could produce a bracelet with the words written, “What would Khotso Khabele do” on it? What about a notepad? A coffee mug? A T-shirt? If people were out there wearing the T-shirt, everyone in his vast tribe would be able to connect. Khotso would love that, as he loved to bring people together. Even a pen, something small, would be a reminder to each and every one of us to aspire to be our best selves, free of judgment, to look for the good in the world, to give people the benefit of the doubt, to be true to ourselves, to have compassion for others, and to approach conflict with kindness and humility. This would be a beautiful legacy, and I'm sure it would make him happy.

Life... I lived to complete another year. The night before, I was celebrating the life of a friend who unexpectedly left this plane recently. It seems those who accomplish so many things often live what is considered a “short life”; Khotso Khabele was quite accomplished, as well as a kind and thoughtful being.

At his tribute Sunday, I heard him reminding me to maintain authenticity as the drummers began to play. I always say: “I don’t move unless I’m moved,” so when the music authentically moved me, I responded. I ended up dancing with the Khabele fam to the music of a DOPE DJ till well-past midnight; approaching the time I was basically forced out of my mother’s womb and into the world decades ago (was “born” close to 2AM, CT; the doctor used forceps to pull me out). Thank You for the inspiration, Khotso Khabele.

I posted the baby picture of myself in the bath because I have this “thing” about being at least near (if not IN water) on my New Year’s Day — preferably clad in nothing more than the skin I came here in. I settled on a bikini, and a place outside the city to accomplish this to the best of my ability. While crowded, I managed to get there early enough to achieve my yearly “plunge” ritual, then spent quiet time with my dear friend Eugene before he had to make his way back home. Despite the summer season onslaught of touristy folk with their gawdy theme park flotation devices in tow, I managed to find peace and solitude in a cove away from all the frenetic energy. After I had my fill in the water, I found my way to another relaxing off-the-beaten-path spot at the facility before making the scenic drive back home.

I was so fed by Nature, I didn’t eat and didn’t feel the need to all day — except for the apple; smacking my azz off!

It was a Good Day.

Continuing my Celebration of Life.

Eugene, I meant to take a pic of us. Thank You for driving all the way out there to spend time with me!

And Thanks to all Birthday well-wishers! I PROMISE to acknowledge each and every one of you personally!

Although the circumstances are Sad I celebrate the AMAZING LIFE of my cousin Khotso. I celebrate his influence and the way he TRULY touched everyone he met. I now find inspiration to push myself forward and past any barriers whether self-imposed or from outside forces. Always fearless and ALWAYS WITH LOVE!!!

Celebrated the life of my colleague and friend Khotso Khabele tonight. A life so well lived yet ended too soon. Thank you for inviting me into your vision of creating alternative ways to educate business leaders to positively impact the world. We are going to keep the vision going. More to come on that. His biggest value was to love yourself. If you know self-love you can give love to others. And really, love is what life is all about. The timing of his passing is profound given the events of our world. Thank you Khotso for being the change you saw for the world and the courage to go for it. We have Holy Work to do. Rest in power and peace my friend.

Khotso Letsie Khabele, your loss has saddened a global community. My heart aches. Your kindness and compassion reached out to so many, you were true friend and a bright light, a visionary and a seeker of peace. You shined as a father to your beautiful children Naledi, Letsie and Tau. There are no words to covey the deep loss for your family and for all of us who knew and loved you. Rest in peace my dear friend. I miss you.

A well of grief was cracked open with the recent, and unexpected passing of a friend, Khotso Khabele. Today, I join with many others in celebrating this amazing man and his life.

I had the gift and privilege of getting to know Khotso, as a dear friend, over the last 18 months, and it was one of those friendships I knew was a lifer.

To know Khotso was to immediately be swept up into his crackling, passionate, energy and love of humanity. He summoned authenticity by always modeling power and strength inherent in real vulnerability and radical transparency.

Khotso saw straight through the veneers, and into someone’s heart and soul, and the conversations left you moved, inspired, witnessing a piece of yourself, that this man had the potential to mirror.

How Khotso had an impact on so many thousands of individuals while being deeply devoted to his family and children, is the stuff of legends. His friends, his students, his mentees, his mentors, his colleagues, those he met in passing Khotso was here leading a revolution. In kindness. In love. In education. In community. He knew how to bring people together. And it was his work in the world.

His revolution was also one of respect, that began first and foremost within oneself at the deepest level.

He inspired this inner journey, holding space and witnessing, never shaming, which is such an art that I grieve, even more, in the absence of his energy and voice right now.

In his presence you were gracefully led to witnessing the parts of yourself, that we usually keep neatly tucked away. Of course, he knew this was the art of universal respect of one another, and his very Being-ness facilitated this so organically.

He was handed a lot to work with in this life, and he at times really struggled, yet he somehow always dove in, head-first in earnest, to alchemize those difficulties.

This depth and being intimately in touch with his humanity on one level, and also living deeply in the spiritual and mystical, with a deep love for God on another, with one foot planted equally in each world, was part of his essence, and the force he gifted our world with. It was essential to the space holding and way shower that he was for so many.

Like so many, I will miss our conversations that somehow always felt like journey’s on spirituality, love, race, parenting, humanity, community and possibility, always anchored in reality. I will miss that hearty laugh and smile.

Khotso was a regular presence, force, and friend in my life this last year and a ½. And I keep being taken back to our last exchange, brief, the day of his passing, in which he reached out that morning: “thinking of you, miss being in your presence” (we saw lots of each other pre-corona and while we had texted, we had not seen each other during).

We were supposed to talk that afternoon…..and I was so excited to hear how he was doing amidst all going on, and to share some personal transformations with my son and a journey of trauma healing that we have been on, and how after so many different things we had tried, to finally having something that worked, and which Khotso led me to!

I was so excited to tell him all about it that day, about the true miracles of healing that had happened during our corona quarantine and to how it happened with and BECAUSE of these tools he led us to, and I wanted to thank him!

But of course that conversation never happened, at least here in this plane.

Somehow the poignancy of this, has left the gift of realizing deeply, that which sounds so cliche, yet which I am graced with knowing deeply, and that is how precious each day is, and how we are only promised each moment, and to seize it fully. To love and to share that love with others not knowing how long we all have. Yet another gift of so many Khotso left with me and many others.

Our first real conversation was one that will stay with me, and my son, for a lifetime. And this was SO Khotso.

This man who did not know me at all the first time we sat down.

I asked him what I as a mother of a black son needed to know. He asked me if I wanted to know his real journey. Almost as if he was daring me. Could I handle it? He opened his heart and shared so deeply, some of what he had experienced as a black male, from youth to just recently.

As I sat weeping and heart broken, he implored me to never view my son as a victim, and told me it would be so hard because I would witness things I would not be able to believe were occurring. But that if I viewed him as a victim, I denied him his greatness.

He wanted me to know ALL perspectives, and so he shared, with neutrality, various different perspectives in the black community, and his own, rooted in his deep unique spiritual lens.

It was one of the most heart, and eye opening conversations of my life. And this, I learned through our friendship, was what it was to know him.

In a small online circle a few weeks ago, one of his friends said, I want one of those bracelets that says, what would Khotso do. YES! And with all going on right now, I keep finding myself asking - What would Khotso do?

And at this moment, the timing of his passing makes no sense to me….why his light, his energy, his unique perspective are not present on our planet.

And yet a wiser part of me knows, his timing was somehow perfect, and that he can do way more for us all from where he is now, than he could even while here.

My heart and prayers are with Khotso’s 3 beautiful children. He was so proud of who they were within themselves and the world. My heart is with his sister Inonge Khabele and family, and with Moya McIntyre, and with all of his community and dear friends.

Thank you Khotso Khabele for all you did for our world, and for the gifts that ripple through all of those you impacted.

Thank you to Zoltan Papp and Megan Rose Browning for bringing his beautiful and latest vision Koherence, forward, for our world and planet. It is so needed and timely, now more than ever.

Here is a gift of Khotso sharing his wisdom on education.

Honoring Khotso Khabele today in what will be a live-streamed ceremony today and linked in comments. Khotso was one of my first clients and quickly became a friend. His heart was so big, his mindset progressive, and carries a legacy of six generations that have created change in our Austin community. My heart is heavy and yet I know he is still transforming minds and hearts in this world. RIP Khotso.

About a three weeks ago, Khotso Khabele transitioned from this world. We met each other through overlapping professional circles and were able to break bread together. This digital painting is inspired by Khotso's life journey & transition. Feel free to download a printable 8x10 & web ready versions at the link in the comments. Live stream and in person memorial services are scheduled today and are also linked in the comments. A fantastic tribute to his incredible life and family written by his sister Inonge Khabele.

MOURNING A FRIEND, AND A NATION I've been watching life unfold with a rock in my stomach over the last week. Actually, more than the last week. More the last three and a half years, building on the heinous shit from the fifty or so years before that. I fucking hate this. I hate this country, even though I love many of the people in it.

There's been endless heartfelt messages of compassion and solidarity in my inbox from all the various leaders inside the various institutions that I'm attached to. And, because we're all good progressive institutions, endless invitations to meet (online, of course) and talk about what we're feeling. But it's all bullshit. Nobody cares what I'm feeling; I'm not the right demographic to have an opinion.

What do you have to say about all this? Oh shut up already, we've heard enough from people like you. Have you ever bothered to find out the experience of people different from yourself? What? Don't ask me, it's not my job to educate you. Educate yourself-- oh, but don't trust what you read. And don't you dare try to make an analogy with something you've experienced. You're just privileged, and you should use your privilege to speak up. Silence is violence. But also, saying the wrong thing is violence. So shut the fuck up.

Tonight I want to finally mourn a friend I lost a few weeks ago. He was about as good a human being as I've ever encountered. He was just GOOD. Not perfect: but joyous, courageous, vulnerable, humble, compassionate, free. A lion of a man. And someone who died alone in a hot tub in the backyard of his house in Texas.

I knew him because, eighteen years ago, I was his leadership coach during a six-month training program in Austin, Texas. He was the type of person who from the get-go threatened to outshine his teacher. We all knew he was a star. He had already done extraordinary things in life, traveled the world, dreamed of revolutions, started a school. So, I had to be hard on him. I couldn't afford to be impressed by who he was; I had to constantly be pointing toward who he COULD BE. He was always so gracious. I think there was really only once or twice he was legitimately mad at me; the rest of the time he just assumed there was something of value in what I was saying. He trusted me. Not because he knew me, but because you get two choices in life, and trust is of them.

Khotso was born in Nigeria on April 20, 1974 but traced his roots to Lesotho. His mother, Joan Means Khabele, helped break the chains of segregation in Texas and later served as a professor at the National University of Lesotho. His father Paseka Khabele earned his doctorate from Fordham University and fought against South Africa's apartheid regime, while also serving as a dean and professor of biology. He grew up in Lesotho but came to the U.S. at age 12 to attend high school. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Texas and then-- in his 20's-- opened the Khabele School for international education in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. “How do I raise my child in this new world?” he told the Austin-American Statesman. “How do I educate kids for this new, rapidly changing world?”

And yeah, he was African-American. But who FUCKING CARES. I didn't love him because he was African-American, I loved him because he was one of MY people: a transplant, a traveller, bicultural, multi-lingual, bright-eyed, adventurous, interested in the potential in humanity. He rejected easy definitions and he defied categorizations. He dared to think things that other people wouldn't think. He was put through trials and tribulations that frankly, I thought only bad people got. Life took it's swipe at him, and he weathered it mostly with vulnerability and power and kindness.

We fell out of touch after I left Austin but, after many years, reconnected via Facebook. The last time we talked it was because he had posted something about an interaction he had with an old redneck in Texas somewhere. The Redneck had called him a "nigger". He had laughed and said something like, "Yeah, I guess I'm your nigger" and then proceeded to talk to him about his life. People were SO mad at him; they told him all the reasons why he did was wrong, blind, naive to do that. But that was the person I knew. What, you're going to use a word to define me? To keep us separated? I don't think so...

I thought, over time, I would have better thoughts and more appropriate things to say. But I don't have the right kind of opinions and I don't have the right kind of grief. I'm just fucking angry. Every day. I'm not a particularly good person, like he was. I feel like all the best people are being taken from us and all the people who deserve a plot are still walking around free. I don't believe in any sort of godhead or divine order; I believe in the here and now. And he's gone, for no good reason. We've lost a light in the world and we're just left in the darkness. And that's it. That's what I feel. I miss you, my friend.

He was truly the best of us. I suspect he had heart problems because he saw so much badness in the world and didn't push it back out. I don't know how a heart can hold so much and give out nothing but light. I was only in a few courses with him, but clearly remember him standing up and stating that he would be the President of South Africa. I don't think I believed him, but I think that's only because I didn't know him that well. I didn't know Khotso well enough to really miss him, but to meet him just a few times was to feel his presence and potential, and for that, we all miss him.

To A Brother and A Best Friend Khotso Khabele:

In brightness of your pure Joy shining on all of us, your teaching that living each moment in Learn Work Play for the Mind Body Soul for ourselves in Purpose in Service for Others Together is the way to live and is what is Happiness. I will live and honor the Promise for all of us to bring that to everyone so that we can all be together in Koherence. With the greatest of Love My Brother!

Koherence is Living in the Moment in Purpose in Service for Others Together. This is where we all find Joy and Happiness together.

Two of us who worked to bring us the way to Koherence have recently left the physical world but not our Hearts, Minds and Souls. Khotso Khabele touched us and showed us everlasting Joy.

Jeff Sandberg touched us and showed us everlasting Happiness.

We have all been left with the gifts of the Mission to carry Koherence forward to bring us all together into this Golden Age.

Khotso Khabele passed away a few days ago. In my opinion, he was a very smart guy. If you watch this video and listen to his speech, you may learn something very valuable for your life, at no $ cost, just your time and attention. If we were to think more like him, we would have tons of less problems in our society. Childhood is so important, is the foundation of our present and our future. Let’s treat our children better. My condolences to the Khabele family.

Wow!

Khotso Khabele I am still shaking! We met at HBS but you quickly became a friend and a confidant. I called you “true north compass” and you would giggle each time but I meant it! I remember sharing deep with you as we both navigated this giant called life. I remember you sharing about this ranch you now called home and how much joy it brought you and you could meditate better without freaking out the neighbors. How you loved your magical and talented children. We would often talk about how you wanted to have a meaningful return to Lesotho and SA and Africa generally. And of course, we shared many funny moments face to face but mostly digitally.

Thank you for sharing your purity and clarity on many issues. I loved your perspective and looked forward to your opinions on our scheduled calls. How honest you were about yourself in strengths and limitations. It urged me to search deeper from within and display accordingly. Vulnerability never really scared you. I admired that about you. Thank you for caring me through one of the difficult periods of my life. Thank you for taking the time. I am a better mother today because your words set me free. It is hard to accept your departure from this world but I set you free to be with angels hard knocked as I am. Your Children are your everlasting legacy and so is my view on parenting.

My great human. My brother. My friend. Until we meet again. Rest in power and light. Robala ka kgotso Kgotso.

Khotso - my brother through marriage and separation to my sister, Moya McIntyre. I'd like to share the impact that Khotso had on my life. It is just a small sliver of the many great things he accomplished in his life.

Our paths on this journey crossed for the best of reasons. Before we met, I was wondering around the wilderness getting distracted by the things that would distract. But Khotso was a guy using his compass. The same compass we all have that points toward the light of god. And that has lead me toward all the great things in my life that I am so thankful for. Early on, it was a more analytical and secular track with the Landmark Education seminars. Most importantly, Landmark showed me that my perspective was only a perspective, and there might be times where that blocked me. And I can transform those thoughts that block me. It's a truth that I continue to learn in my life in many different ways. Later he introduced me to Thaddeus Hedges, a healer by truth, acupuncture, chiropractics, and more. With patience and love, Thaddeus revealed to me the truth that is god. God is love. And God is in all things. That truth is the compass. And now, I use my compass to guide me. Khotso, thank you for being a significant part of that process. It's what this journey is all about.

I lived with Moya and Khotso for 2 years around graduating from college. Throughout the years, I popped in for a month here and there, and always watched his parenting. I watched as he guided his children to be the bright young people they are today. He helped them resolve their conflicts. He encouraged their talents from art to soccer to youtubing. Watching that entire process shaped me to be the father I am today. Khotso was the best man at our small wedding to my beautiful wife, Hiromi, who is the loving mother of our two daughters. Most of these pictures are from my graduation from UT at Austin which has led to a wholly fulfilling career. And I cherish the countless little memories like watching TMZ with a couple of Shiners. Khotso, I loved having you in my life.

So honored to have crossed paths with Khotso Khabele, in this lifetime. He was so much more than “just a boss”, during my 3 years of teaching at the Khabele school in Austin, Texas. He was a powerful mentor and influence in my life. I always felt like he could really see me when we spoke. So few people really make you feel seen in that way. What Khotso, Moya and Lisa did with the Khabele school was SO BIG- Words can’t fully describe it. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, Moya, his kids. So much love to the Khabele School community. Rest free, Khotso.

This was a night that I will never forget. We called ourselves the Talented Ten. We entered our Fielding doctoral cohort excited for what dreams may come. Brother, Khotso, (Letsie to us)...you shined so brightly. I am deeply saddened at the loss of your light. Praying for your children, sister, and family who you loved deeply and talked about often during our orientation. Our conversations spoke to the power of our ancestors leading us forward in the work of equity and justice. Today, I remember you. Thank you for that smile and your light.

"These days are holy. These days are ours. They pass through our hands. We hold them in our hearts. And we ALL have our place. In the land of the sun. We all have our place in land that's beyond." Biko & Arouna

The recent sudden loss of a sweet friend and incredible teacher & fellow parent has been a sharp reminder of how precious this life is. In loving memory of my sweet friend Khotso Khabele your name & spirit will be a reminder to treasure each day and make the most of it. My tears are not grief. They are thanks for you and your shining light on me and my children. I am grateful for our open hearted intimate talks of love, parenting and all things in between. Thank you for being fucking brave. You never gave up on creating & nurturing change. I will not either. I am inspired by your life and now your passing. I send so much love to his family and sweet children. AKAL AKAL AKAL! You are free.

I’ve been struggling with this post since I received the news this weekend that my old friend Khotso Khabele passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in a drowning accident, leaving behind three amazing children, his sister and my dear friend Inonge, and so many more family and friends. He was a true community leader, a champion of progressive education and the founder of Khabele School along with his former partner, one of my lifelong besties Moya McIntyre. My heart broke, both for the loss of such a rare and extraordinary human being and the realization of how that loss would impact so many of our shared loved ones who-along with countless of Khotso’s former colleagues and students-are also grieving.

I met Khotso in a Capoeira class with my friend Moya over 20 years ago. We both found him attractive and invited him to join us for a bite after the class. Fortunately he picked the better woman and they went on to have three extraordinary children. I remember every conversation that Khotso and I had over the years - how he engaged, and cared, and listened. His considered and thoughtful ways of responding. I wish there had been more. The outpouring of testimonials from those who knew him and loved him have carried me through the past few days as I realize how many lives he has influenced. Thank you for inspiring me - and probably everyone who knew you - to live our lives with purpose.

This past week I have been consumed by the two most extreme and opposite types of pain. One causing life and the other brought by death.

Last week, Daniel and I welcomed Tabitha Jayne into our family. Childbirth (after a man cold, of course) is the most painful physical feeling I’ve ever experienced but the life it brings is worth it. Eden and Naomi are obsessed with their new baby sister. They want to touch her face, hold her, feed her, poke her in the eye, and generally want to be around her when she’s awake. Daniel kisses her nonstop and creepily stares at her while she sleeps. It’s all so beautiful and full of love.

The other pain is grief. My cousin, Letsie, tragically passed away just 4 days after Tabitha’s birth at the age of 46. I got the call from Mom at 8:26p. I literally lost my breath. I fell to the ground and I cried uncontrollably. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I don’t understand. My nights are the hardest because I have time to think which leads me to think of Letsie and cry even more. I’m so confused and devastated and angry. It’s not fair. My kids aren’t going to know who he is and that breaks my heart. I learned so much from him and wanted to learn so much more. There’s not a single moment of my 34 years of life that I have a negative memory of Letsie. I looked up to and admired him, I loved him so much, and I always wanted to be around him. I can’t remember the last time I cried so hard. Letsie was an incredible human being. I’m so thankful for the time I was able to spend with him and that he’s family. You know how much I love you, Letsie, and I always will.

One of my all time favorite photos of you, Khotso Khabele because it truly captures who you were to me: present, connected, kind, curious, proud father (and so much more). It is our turn now to carry forward the space and love you created in this world- for your kids, family, friends and community. I'm proud to have known you and my heart breaks as I grieve you. I trust we'll see each other again. Peace. Peace. Peace.

Khotso, I was 13 when I met you first. Coming from saint andrews high school transitioning out in the middle of the year as the bullying had reached a point of no return. You and Moya had just opened the khabele school, in a church off 360.

This was before the the celebrity backing, this was before trips across the globe this was the absolute beginning. As I think about it now I wish I could go back in time and relive a few of those days just to make sure I soaked up every single bit of it. You were such a visionary, such a unique on fire human. You could snap someone out of sadness by entering the room. I pushed you all as hard as I could and you never backed down. You believed in me and my dreams completely and totally. When you all found the new campus in downtown austin I remember planning the opening tour night. I remember feeling like the world was at my feet and nothing could stop me.

My mom got sick shortly after the transition. I spiraled, I was not ok and my actions were beginning to affect some of the other students. While others were frustrated you remained calm and understanding. You weren’t going to let me sink. I moved into you and Moyas home at the request of my distraught and sick mother. You all opened your actual home to me and I was out of control. That act of kindness remains today as one of the greatest examples of love I know. In my last year book from the khabele school you wrote something like “to my adopted daughter alexis, you have the integrity of a small monkey but we love you anyways.”

Fast forward a while longer my mothers condition was rapidly worsening and I moved back in to my parents home. My mother died a few months after that. Your families generosity remained with me through all of that. Your belief I would do great things was a spark that no matter what happened never went out completely. You at the very least gave me something that no evil could take away.

Thank you khotso, Thank you Moya, thank you all.

Khotso, you made such a significant impact on many people’s lives, including mine. I am very grateful to have met you and have such beautiful memories about many moments and conversations that I cherish dearly. I will never forget that big beautiful smile, your words of wisdom, and your big bright light. Until we meet again.

So sad to hear the such a bright light in Austin and in this world has died. Though I only met with Khotso Khabele a handful of times, his vision & passion we undeniable. A good human doing great thing for his community and humanity.

May we all think about and focus on what we can bring to the world like Khotso did. May his family and friends be comforted in this time.

"Thank you for the example of your life Khotso Khabele," Kevin Michael Foster, director of the Institute for Community, University and School Partnerships, posted on Facebook. "Thank you for the life you lived. So many people love you so fiercely precisely for who you were and how you lived. Your passing is going to be very, very tough for a lot of people in Austin and globally. My heart is with all of you."

So very heartbroken to get this news today. A dear friend gone much too soon - father of 3 beautiful and talented children, visionary in the world of Edu, I just can't believe this ...

God what a gorgeous soul - and this at a time when we especially need more like him. Thank you Khotso for your brilliance, kindness, warmth, humor and inspiration to lead into the unknown. You are dearly missed already - your life inspires me and so many. You'll live on through those 3 amazing kids of yours. So much love for you always.

With the heaviest of hearts, our team says farewell to a dear friend, colleague and supporter of our language learning community. What a tragic loss for his beautiful family, for Austin and for the entire world.

A true luminary in the world of Education, Khotso Khabele pushed the boundaries to explore alternate ways to live life more peacefully, compassionately and intelligently - always creating spaces to inspire curiosity, to grow and to connect.

FLC would not be what we are without his acceptance, guidance, and generosity - together with his equally inspiring and accomplished lovely former wife Moya McIntyre they welcomed FLC into their school space, not just without hesitation but with encouragement and joy.

We had the privilege to work on several educational projects with Khotso - including a start-up LMS (Trails Alicia Mario ) and other always forward-thinking ideas of his.

Most importantly, it always felt like a blessing and a treat to be in his presence - he is already so very missed.

Rest in peace, Khotso, knowing the inspired life you lived was not in vain, so many will work to carry on your mission and will enjoy all the beauty you've created, not least of which are your 3 beautiful and talented children. Love, Elizabeth & TeamFLC.

I still can't believe it. Khotso Khabele, you were one of the most inspiring people to me and countless others. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to have attended a school that valued integrity, courage, and authenticity. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the ideals you helped me cultivate. I am so in shock, you were taken from us too early. I remember you taking me out of class just to talk, and i loved debating with you on issues of philosophy when we were supposed to be editing my graduation speech! I never knew how enlightening self-directed learning could be before I met you. Thank you always. Rest in Peace.

In May 2011, I was in the process of losing my job as a first-year Spanish teacher at Kealing Middle School. (That was the year that the Austin Independent School District was dealing with a 15% budget cut, and many first-year teachers like me were forced out.)

I had read about Khotso Khabele and his innovative new middle/high school. I applied for a job there and was asked to come in for an interview. On the day of my interview, I was taken to an empty upstairs office and asked to wait there. After a few minutes, walked in, introduced himself to me, sat down about two feet from me - not behind a desk - and gave me the only job interview I've ever had in which the potential employer (giving the interview) wanted to know about ME as a person - not about my credentials, my certifications, etc.

"Tell me about your time in Spain," he said. "What are some things you do to relieve stress?" "Why do you like Spanish?" "Do you ever meditate?" "What drives you? What motivates you?"

I left the downtown Austin campus that day and thought to myself, "That was the most genuine person I've ever met in my life." It didn't feel like a job interview at all. Rather, it felt like I had made a new friend.

I spent the 2011-2012 school year teaching Spanish & ESL at Khotso's school, before returning to full-time adult ESL work the following year. I was inspired by Khotso & Moya’s mission of instilling in kids the importance of life-long learning, and instilling in teachers – Jason, Marshall, Melissa, Constance, Brenda, Jaclyn, Kelly, Chalimar, etc. - the power of being vulnerable with their students in order to better connect with them as individuals.

Like so many, I was in shock to hear on Sunday of Khotso's unexpected passing. The world has lost a kind, gentle soul who had a profound & positive impact on it.

He certainly did on me.

I am so, so saddened to get the news of Khotso’s passing from St. Stephens. What an incredible loss. Sending love to his friends and family.

Khotso, I was utterly shocked to see that you had passed these last few days, and upon hearing the news I was instantly filled with regret that I had never thanked you for the impact you and your school had on my life. The effect you had on my life has helped me to grow as a person so much, and I'm sure you touched so many more. Thank you, and safe travels, Khotso.

One of the kindest, most inspiring, smartest individuals I’ve ever known. I’m going to miss unloading my music theory knowledge on someone who was truly interested and fascinated about how it all connected. Letsie (Khotso Khabele) had a way of listening to people that really made you feel heard and connected and like what you were saying had something of value. Even if it was small talk. When he asked how your day was, he genuinely wanted to know. That is so rare these days. Hearts are breaking all around me and he’s leaving behind a void that will likely be felt for a while. It still doesn’t seem real. Please send love and light to his family and all who loved him. It’s a huge group.

My heart is absolutely broken by the loss of my friend Khotso Khabele. How?! Why?! We did one of our long walks just two weeks ago! We had so many wonderful conversations left. He was such a bright, supportive light. So many kind words, so much beautiful energy shared. I am so grateful to have been able to enjoy time and space with you. I have a couple of your voice memos left in my phone and I will listen to them often and cherish them forever. I adore you my wonderful friend, and will miss you so much!

Hard to believe this gentle, brilliant, kind man is gone! Sending prayers and love to Khotso Khabele’s dear family, his sister Inonge Khabele, and his precious grandmother Mrs. Bertha Sadler Means. Feel so grateful that I got to spend some time with him earlier this year. I can still see his radiant, beautiful smile and his elegant, loving and thoughtful manner. So smart. So creative. Such a courageous seeker of truth. May you be blessed on your journey home, beautiful Khotso! "O Lord, glorify his station, shelter him under the pavilion of Thy supreme mercy, cause him to enter Thy glorious paradise, and perpetuate his existence in Thine exalted rose garden, that he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries." Bahá'í prayer for the departed.

Here is new poem in honor of my friend, Khotso Khabele

...

"What is a man?"

What is a man? A man is someone who, from that hallowed place that is his own sacred word, calls out to everyone:

“This is a man! See this man! He is here in my skin!”

What is a man? He is the embodiment of a soul, the expression of a purpose. He becomes the willing of a thing that falls from his mouth and grows where it is planted.

What is a man? He is a spirit, flowing through a heart, which pumps for his children and for the future they inhabit.

What is a man? He is a vessel of truth told by the entirety of his life and then carried on the shoulders, in the hearts and on the tongues of all that follow ever after.

...

In my imagination, I see him, chin to the sky, hands on his chest or open, declaring himself as here - loudly, to the universe.

My soul cried today learning of the passing of such an amazing mentor and leader Khotso Khabele.

Such a deep loss, one this world was not ready for.

This man - This man is such a big part of the reason I am the woman I am today. While I attended The Khabele School, Khotso poured himself into me and I am so very appreciative he took the time to truly see me and invest in me. The biggest investment he gave me was FREEDOM. Freedom to strip myself down to the very core and build myself back up - the opportunity and space to burn it all down and recreate from the ashes. He let me be vulnerable no matter how hard or how much pain there was inside. He saw something in me that I did not and he created the space for that girl/woman to bloom - he challenged me to create a life and a person that I wanted to be, not what circumstances had to offer. What he gave me was a gift - A gift that will forever live on inside and thru me. One I live by and share with the world.

It hurts to know you are gone... I love you dearly.

Moya McIntyre & Kids, I am so sorry for your loss. Hold onto that light and show it to the world. Sending love, healing, peace and light your way. You are very loved!

I will miss you my dear friend, Khotso Khabele (Letsié James). Such a gentle, sweet soul. You blessed my life. May you find peace. My heart sends love to your children and family.

Khotso Khabele was passionate about education - a workable education tailored to individual student needs; where the education system needed to head to adapt to modern times while maintaining the rigor of some classical systems; and how we could all collectively be part of the solution. He was passionate about furthering his own knowledge as well (I met up with him in Cambridge while he was studying at Harvard). My mother was a public school teacher her entire career. And this passion of his is what drew me to him in the first place, because my mother (Jane Ann Shipp) shared his relentless passion for quality education, this in turn made Khotso feel instantly familiar to me - someone to be celebrated, loved and supported. Like Khotso with his own children, she instilled the importance of education within me from an early age. This connection made me respect him and feel immediately close to him as a friend. I made an intentional choice to pursue his friendship. And when he accepted my friendship, he made an intentional choice to teach me more about the meaning of what it meant to be a true friend. Many times he nudged to become a better friend. And while sometimes I resisted, I always came to realize the truth in his words. This loss hurts. And we are all the better for loving this man. @ Austin, Texas

Yesterday the world as I know it changed. The world I lived in before was inhabited by one of the most beautiful and enlighted souls whom I have been blessed to call my friend. And yesterday I learned he left this world and left a sadness and emptiness my heart cannot bear. Letsie my dear friend, I'm not sure what a world without you is going to look like. You were and are light and love. From the day we became friends many many years ago as teenagers and started running together in Lesotho you were magical and ethereal even then as young as you were. You captured my soul and each time we ran together it was like the world couldn't touch us. We pushed each other to run further and further and I remember how we said we would run to Roma together. Oh the freedom and bliss. Running with you was a magical treat and we didn't want to stop because it meant that moment that was just ours would stop.

The last time I saw you we talked about those beautiful moments running together and how much they meant and still do to both of us. I was so glad you remembered them just as I had because then I knew I hadn't imagined the cocoon we created for ourselves as we ran and in that special space that was just ours. I fell in love with your spirit and soul then and our friendship transcended time, distance and space.

But you lived my friend, lived like no one I know knows how to live. You did it all. You self actualized and were and are the most incredible person I have ever known. Father son, friend, brother. You may have achieved all that most people take a lifetime to achieve, but I do know that the world could have used a lot more of you.

I dont know about Angel's on earth but I do know that you were one, because everything you touched was beautiful. Everything you made including your children are beautiful. Everything you were was beautiful and the embodiment of love.

I will miss you every day, and more. I will miss your wisdom, your laugh, your smile your kindness, your energy, spirit and kind soul of light. I will come and say goodbye and I will share that part of you I knew with your family and your children. Because you left a piece of yourself with every single person whose life you touched and all our stories will take a lifetime to tell your children. And may they never stop meeting people who have a piece of you to share with them.

I will miss you my friend and love you till we meet again.

Robala ka khotso mokhotsi oa ka. Ha ke na mantsoe, ke bipetsane. Molimo a o boloke. O ne o se motho feela. O ne o le thaba ea motho. Serithi sa hao se ke be sa feela.

Gervase and I are still in shock! Khotso Khabele or as we knew him James passed away. My fondest memory is of James and his little family driving all the way to Atlanta GA almost 18 years ago, to be a groomsman at our wedding. May you Rest In Peace prayers and positive energy to your love ones.

Yesterday morning I received the news about the loss of Khotso Khabele. I had too many words to say, and no ability - even now - to express them coherently.

What this man meant to our family, how his vision, work and support impacted our lives...immeasurable. When we made the decision to move to Austin, I decided that the "best schools" would not dictate the neighborhood in which we lived. Those all seemed sterile and soulless, and it was more important for me to have our family be part of a community with shared values and a place where I felt Jackson and Faith would thrive.

The moment I walked into Khabele School, I knew it was our place. We chose a school before we chose a place to live. I knew it was special, but I had no idea about the impact Khotso and Moya’s vision would have on the way my kids developed; how they approached learning, conversation, exploration, and interaction with other human beings. The kids and I have relationships with students, parents and teachers (like the unparalleled Steryl Jones and Chalimar Thabilé Chieza) who will be forever woven into warm quilt of our family story.

Khotso became a friend. He stepped in when I needed him as a guiding male figure in my son's life. Our families broke bread together. Our daughters were friends and he took Faith on vacation with them. We spent time individually, supporting each other in conversations that always revealed equal parts vulnerability and strength. He changed my life in ways I didn't fully appreciate until recently and my gratitude for his soul's touch on mine is immense.

The love of our family goes out to all who are experiencing the grief of Khotso's loss, especially to Moya McIntyre and the three beautiful children they shared, his loyal and devoted sister Inonge, and the rest of the Khabele Family.

Dana Hutchins, a former Khabele School student and daughter of the remarkable Dottie Wagner, wrote about Khotso, brilliantly capturing his work and spirit in the post I'm attaching.

Yesterday morning I received the news about the loss of Khotso Khabele. I had too many words to say, and no ability - even now - to express them coherently.

What this man meant to our family, how his vision, work and support impacted our lives...immeasurable. When we made the decision to move to Austin, I decided that the "best schools" would not dictate the neighborhood in which we lived. Those all seemed sterile and soulless, and it was more important for me to have our family be part of a community with shared values and a place where I felt Jackson and Faith would thrive.

The moment I walked into Khabele School, I knew it was our place. We chose a school before we chose a place to live. I knew it was special, but I had no idea about the impact Khotso and Moya’s vision would have on the way my kids developed; how they approached learning, conversation, exploration, and interaction with other human beings. The kids and I have relationships with students, parents and teachers (like the unparalleled Steryl Jones and Chalimar Thabilé Chieza who will be forever woven into warm quilt of our family story. Khotso became a friend. He stepped in when I needed him as a guiding male figure in my son's life. Our families broke bread together. Our daughters were friends and he took Faith on vacation with them. We spent time individually, supporting each other in conversations that always revealed equal parts vulnerability and strength. He changed my life in ways I didn't fully appreciate until recently and my gratitude for his soul's touch on mine is immense.

The love of our family goes out to all who are experiencing the grief of Khotso's loss, especially to Moya McIntyre and the three beautiful children they shared, his loyal and devoted sister Inonge, and the rest of the Khabele Family.

Khotso Khabele is when he recited a poem he wrote at an all school pitso. Well, recited isn’t the right word—he slammed that poem, with the passion and intensity that he brought to every single thing he did. The poem was about living life to the fullest, with intention and awareness of our mortality. The refrain to it was the voice of his heart, speaking, “I can only do this for so long. I can only do this for so long,” repeated each time it beat, as Khotso pounded his heart. “I can only do this for so long.” Khotso knew, and reminded us with the vibrancy and vigor he brought to life, that this gift we have is precious, and fleeting. We can only do this for so long.

Khotso changed the lives of so many people, so profoundly. It is thanks to him that I know what it is to truly be in community, with all the responsibilities, difficulties, and excruciating beauty that it entails. It is thanks to him that I know school can be something so much more than what it is for most people—a place where we learn to love, where we explore our humanity, challenge one another, and reckon with our deepest truths. Khotso saw what was beautiful in each of us, and helped us see it in ourselves. He never hesitated to dream bigger than anyone else thought possible, and proceed boldly ahead in bringing his visions to life. He helped me become a fearless leader, a listener, an authentic communicator, and showed me that we truly can create the world we want to live in, through the relationships we build with one another and with ourselves. Every single week I got to sit on the wood floor of the old studio and get my mind and heart blown right open by Khotso slinging so many truths at us. I feel so incredibly lucky that he was such an instrumental part of my growing up and becoming an adult.

I would say that the world has lost an incredible, almost blinding, light with Khotso’s passing, but I know deep in my heart that that isn’t true. Khotso shared his light with everyone he met. He spent authentic time with each and every person, to help them recognize and foster their own light. We all carry that with us. We all have stronger and brighter souls thanks to Khotso’s love and passion and honesty. I hope to channel Khotso’s light every day, in every interaction I have. I hope we all dream as big as we can possibly dream, and keep Khotso’s soul alive through the work we do in the world and the way we build community. I feel such a deep pain, and such a deep gratitude. I love you so much, Khotso. I carry you with me, so close to my heart. Thank you for everything.

Khotso Khabele has been such an inspiration to our community. Inonge Khabele my deepest condolences to you and your entire family. He was such a warm soul. I remember taking Stasia to meet him at Casa de Luz. He made such a positive impact on our entire family. He was such a loving and incredible father to his children.

Moya McIntyre my condolences to you and your family. I'm not even able to fully process this all. Sending everyone much love.

I’m so glad Khabele walked this earth and impacted our family. The Khabele school saved my daughters life. Gave her life long learning and clarity she makes a difference.

Khotso Khabele was many things. A friend A father A mentor An inspiration A leader He believed in the best of everyone. He showed me how to fall in love with learning and have integrity with my work. I'm proud of who I am today and his impact on my life will be everlasting. Rest in peace, brother.

Still in disbelief about Khotso. My heart is broken for his children and family.

I feel honored to have known him. And never would I have, or will I ever, forget our last conversation. He had a knack for inspiring and making a difference for so many, and that was always true with me.

I am so grateful for his time, presence, words and everything he did and worked so hard for in our community. What a true leader we lost.

A visionary, that's how I know you. Rest in Peace, Power, and Love my dear friend. Strength to your children and family. Protection. You are......pure Love, and the rest of us feel it. Akal Akal Akal Khotso Khabele Peace be with you.

Those of you who attended our integral ed / integral ecology seminar at Mount Madonna will remember this wonder person, educator, seeker, and human, Khotso Khabele.

His family was about that age (in the photo here) when they attended the integral education seminar. What a special collection of souls. I remember them all so well and am sad to hear of Khotso's sudden death. May he travel on in grace and light.

Khotso Khabele, it seems like just yesterday we were having dinner with Weston Armstrong Woodward. It’s pretty surreal to think that now we have to wait until the other side to do that again. When it’s my time to go, I hope I’ll be 1/2 as proud of my life as you deserve to be of yours. RIP, friend. You will be missed.

The world lost a beautiful human, brilliant teacher, visionary, loving father, and dear friend yesterday. He was thoughtful, kind, innovative, and lived a life worth living - while giving back to the greater good of all. He will be remembered and live on in the lives hearts and minds of his students, family, and friends. Thank you Khotso Khabele for sharing your time, wisdom, brilliance, and laughs with me. I am so thankful for the opportunity I got to learn from and be inspired by you.

This was the last photo I took of him and his kids. I lead them through a partner based workout in the park in April, as he wanted to support my desire to create an integrative conscious yoga / movement course for kids. He was always encouraging and ever supportive. Eternal gratitude

Khotso Khabele you are loved and will be missed by so many it's hard to put words to your passion and revolutionary spirit. you've inspired me to live a more courageous and compassionate existence. i remember stories you shared, connections in past lives, connections to inner existential questions and morality. you saw much beyond the definitions of education, and practiced that. you saw teachers in your students, and through that trust you helped raise generations of deep thinking individuals. Rest in peace.

In the spaces between conversation, it sinks a little deeper and my heart breaks a little more.

We lost a dear friend, leader and colleague yesterday, suddenly and unexpectedly.

Khotso, may you rest in holy coherence. The ultimate union.

In this moment, I'm flooded with grief. Such an exquisitely sensational and complex process to be with. Oscillating between acceptance, disbelief, anger, sadness, peace, denial, confusion and back again. My heart is heavy, my eyes are tired.

Grateful for so many things... words fail to express.

Dear Khotso,

For the past eight months, we've been nurturing a fertile friendship with you, with weekly dinner dates and meetings. Laughter, tears, creativity, audacious visioning of possibilities, tender care, innocence and presence. Such an honor to know the range of your human expression- from the sweet, silly adolescent part of you to the epic, wise and humble visionary leader part of you. The abrupt ending of this journey together is heartbreaking, frustrating and confusing.

Just yesterday morning, you texted us asking to have dinner tonight. YES. The answer is yes, we'd LOVE to have dinner tonight.

Just last weekend, we housesat for you, caring for your beautiful pup companion, Thembi, savoring a crackling fire in the backyard. Visioning how we can support you really claiming your home space after being in limbo for sometime, a desire you recently expressed.

Our last in-person hangout, the week before, we sat for hours on the porch sipping mezcal, dialing in the first Koherence course curriculum, talking about the global impact it could have, delicately traversing the nuanced aliveness and presence in connection, as usual. You gave us an in-depth tour of your home and what struck me most was your reverence for your lineage displayed throughout. The wall in the stairwell covered with photos of multiple generations of family and ancestors, your inspirational mentors and models, your three radiant children.... a collective through-line of something greater, beyond yourself, and yet, of yourself. Beaming with pride as you described each photo.

Just yesterday morning, you texted us asking to have dinner tonight. YES. The answer is yes, we'd LOVE to have dinner tonight.

Khotso, as you upload to the ethereal realm, I feel your essence everywhere and the residual impact is timeless. The congruence in which you teach and advocate for grace, awareness, integrity, authenticity, and intention, while truly exuding these qualities in your being-ness is rare and has eternally imprinted in my soul.

Your vision is not lost. It pulses through each and everyone you touched. I'm so sorry you left so early. It's not fair. It's tragic. And yet, it is so. Deep love and reverence for Khotso’s family, loved ones and community. May we find resilience in the eternal light of our beloved Khotso.

(PS... As often shared by those experiencing loss and grief: Hold your loved ones close, say the things that need to be said, breathe, feel and savor this precious moment as impermanence is real.)

I am heartbroken and lost for words right now. Khotso Khabele (I know you as James/Letsie) I can't believe what I'm hearing right now. To say you are one of a kind is an understatement. Amazing human being who has evolved into so much in the 20 plus years since we met.my words are failing me right now but hope you know that you will always have a special place in my heart. My love, thoughts and prayers to your family and beautiful children. Rest In Love

Yesterday my good friend Khotso Khabele passed. We trained Aikido together in Austin. A lifetime ago, I watched and participated in a small way in his brilliant creation of a small middle school that was making a big difference. We had a lot of community and personality in common. Too soon, way too damn soon, my brother.

The most charismatic person I’ve ever met. Full of Fire and Kindness and Brilliance. Damn you made an impact my brother. The biggest of blessings to your three kids and Moya. This definitely ain’t fair. You had so much beauty left to create.

I’m fine please send your prayers to his kids and family.

Khotso Khabele
Khotso Khabele
Khotso Khabele

Blessings on your journey.

Khotso Khabele, Seven years ago you opened the doors of your life, heart, and home for me and welcomed me to your very special and amazing family, now my family too. I don't have words to express this loss, but what I have is a THANK YOU for you. I'm beyond grateful with life and God for giving me the opportunity to learn from you throughout these years. You are and will always be one of the biggest teachers of my life. I'm going to miss you so much. I know you are resting in peace and I'm sure you will be taking care of Naledi, Tau, and Letsie at every moment of their lives. I will always remember you with love and joy.

Through example, Khotso Khabele taught me how to be genuine, authentic, and empathetic. He helped shape the way I think and interact with others in a way that has made me a better person. He let me be vulnerable and raw in times of need, and pushed me to be better when I stalled out. I am so rawly shocked and saddened by his passing. The world has lost a great leader, heart, and person. Moya McIntyre my heart goes out to you and the kids. I know the whole community is here for whatever y’all need.

Such a beautiful gentle spirit and kind heart. Praying for your family and your beautiful children. Your page full of positive memories speaks for the life that you lived. When our family met you through my sister, it was so easy to like you. You became a big brother to us as if we had known you all of our lives. Rest easy Khotso Khabele.

My heart was broken this morning when I learned of the passing of someone I have known for more than 15 years as a boss, a mentor, a confidant, a leader, a spiritual guide, a community activist, and above all, as a true friend. He was with me for all of my hallmark moments: he witnessed me marry Katy Critchfield. He met my young son. He met my mother. He hugged and laughed with my brother, Toby. He guided me. He laughed with me. He drank with me. He corrected me. He helped me. He let me help him. He visited me, texted me, Skyped me, traveled to see me. He loved me unreservedly, for all of my flaws and through all of the messiness. And I loved him right back. I am so sad that he is gone, and I cannot explain to my children where, exactly, he went to. But I am sadder still for Moya McIntyre and for the three lovely children he leaves behind in this world, moving as he must, onto the next.

Hold them in your heart. Lift them up in your mind. Be with them in your generous spirit. Put all of your goodness into them. God above, they need it.

I miss you, Khotso. I hope against hope I will see you again.

Today has been rough. Last night my mentor, teacher and friend Khotso Khabele passed away unexpectedly. I can't put words on what this means to me. I'm shaken and lost. I've finally been able to bring myself to re-watch this video he made for me on my 30th birthday. I'm so grateful to have this video but devastated to know that I won't be able to look into his eyes again. I cannot find the words... Love you Khotso.

Heard you gained your wings yesterday and no words can explain how heartbroken I am. I met you 26 years ago at the age of 17. I loved you as my big brother since. I have never met anyone who was so smart but so goofy at the same time. Loved your strength and courage. I was never surprised how much you have accomplished in life. It was honor having you in my life and the chance to love you as a brother. Your beautiful smile will be missed . Sending my deepest condolences to your children and family. It's never goodbye but see you later...Khotso Khabele.

I can’t say I’m at a loss for words, but instead that I have too many. Memories and thoughts are racing through my mind and I’m just grasping at the right order to put them in. My heart aches for Moya McIntyre and the kids.

Khotso Khabele ~ you provided the space and guidance I needed to grow into the person I am today. Without you as a mentor and a friend and the family/community that you brought together I truly believe my life would have run a different course.

I’d have been scared to follow the paths to which my soul pulled me, instead I move forward with trust in myself. I’d have taken a lifetime to learn the beauty in being true and being vulnerable, instead I live as authentically as I can and am not afraid to show when I’m hurting.

The khabele school was the first place I saw the values I held true be acknowledged and put into practice, the first time I experienced a community that collectively strove to have integrity and equality...even when we had to work really hard to figure out what was fair.

You taught us all how to manifest a vision and that anyone can change the world—I believe you succeeded in doing so.

Thank you for being one of the greatest teachers I’ve known, for showing me there is something to learn from everyone and to really appreciate what a gift it is to learn, for seeing and believing in me, and for being a friend and mentor I’ve always been able to call on, despite what time had passed.

Rest In Peace, love you Khotso.

I’m having a hard time processing this immense loss. It doesn’t seem real. The loss of a great mentor and an even better friend who became my family. You saved me. Truly. Your guidance enlivened me and has been so instrumental to who I am today. I’ve never known someone who had so much fire and drive- profoundly beautiful in every sense of the words. You epitomized courage and authenticity. My second year at the school, we took a group of students to Swaziland and South Africa. We were just reminiscing about this trip at Josephine House over rooibos. How everything went wrong but it still ended up being amazing. From my journal on that trip: My highlight, shining star and most memorable moments of that trip will be my talks with Khotso on the long 8 and 9 hour drives through the savanna. At times, I was so lethargic I didn't feel like I could keep my eyes open for one minute longer. Then Khotso would ask me these really powerful questions and my fatigue was gone with the wind. Khotso helped me realize a lot of things. Our relationships with others are just stepping stones. We talked about saying I love you and meaning it every time. We both decided to not dismiss the fact that we have so much love to give to our loved ones and that that bond is extremely precious. We spoke on religion and future goals. I felt complete. Your legacy will live on far and wide. You live in all of us who have been blessed to know you. Sawubona my friend.

Thank you for the example of your life Khotso Khabele.

Thank you for the life you lived. So many people love you so fiercely precisely for who you were and how you lived. Your passing is going to be very, very tough for a lot of people in Austin and globally. My heart is with all of you.

For anyone so inclined to read, I'd like to share some thoughts, then a promise, then a clip so that Khotso can speak for himself.

*A Reflection*

A couple decades ago, I was sitting in the old African and African American Studies Center in Jester Center at UT when a young guy came in to visit with Ted Gordon and me. He had graduated from The University just a few years earlier and now he was back to share his big new idea. He was still a new teacher, but was already feeling the constraints. He had a vision of possibility and wanted to open a school. Fast forward a few years, and there it was, The Khabele School. This young man, and his partner, did it! After that he founded another.

Khotso had this crazy idea that education could look completely different than it typically does. He had this idea that he could help kids who wanted to serve to do so, and do so well, and do so with passion, and do so with rigor and effectiveness. In so many ways he was the personification of outside the box.

Beyond his extraordinary thinking, he was one of the most ethical people I have ever met. He strived to do better, be better, and to do more every day. And when anyone attacked his character (as some did), it cut him to the core. But then he would collect himself, reflect, forgive, learn from his own mistakes, and keep moving. He never wanted to let himself or others down. He was so remarkable.

*My promise*

My work as a community member and educator here is not hard. I am stunned, but get to make a promise, and here it is: I promise Khotso, that I will be among those who lift you up and honor you. I will share word of who you were and what you did while you were here so that you can continue to inspire and teach even after your earthly passing. You deserve to be remembered, and we will do well for ourselves by remembering.

Finally (and to start on my promise), here is Khotso in his own words. This is from Season Five of Blackademics Television.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of the best teachers I ever had. Khotso Khabele you will be missed. Khotso had a different way of looking at things. He was always an inspiration to me when I was in his class. I remember one day he caught me with a pack of cigarettes and made me break each one in half right in front of him. I was so upset but I realize that he just cared about my well being. His wisdom will always stay with me. There was so many things this man has taught me when I was in middle school. I pray for Moya McIntyre and his children during this tough time. Rest in peace Khotso!

So, I've done a lot of thinking during these past couple of hours. Cried some. Talked to some high school friends I haven't talked to in what feels like FOREVER. I wrote a little story that I will definitely be editing and resharing here on FB.

In honor of Khotso, and honestly everyone else we've lost over the years, I want to hear all your favorite memories of Khabele, whether or not they have Khotso in them.

Lighting a candle for Khotso Khabele and his family. We met as a young bucks when he was dating Moya McIntyre . Fast forward 20+ years..We always shared parenting stories, personal venting,...just learning how to better humans.

I know that he’s surrounded by light and connected to the source, just like he always wanted.

Such a loss. Floods of amazing memories have been coming back to me. He was someone I respected and admired. I’ll miss him dearly. So much love to all that loved him. Especially his beautiful children. It is so hard to lose a parent and I remember how loving and kind he was when Bella Madden lost mama in loving memory of Andrea Burden. So gentle, supportive and encouraging.