Ron made a huge impact on a bunch of our lives growing up in Oxford. I wouldn’t have become a musician if it wasn’t for Ron and The Hoka

Ron Shapiro was as good or better a human being as anyone could ask for. He was living proof that you CAN march to your own drum, you CAN be yourself unapologetically without compromise, and you CAN operate from a place of love and still carve out a space for yourself in this greedy, broken world. The planet is more bleak and dim without Ronzo in it.

I’ve lived in Oxford for almost 20 years. Ronzo has been at the heart of this town since I can remember. He’s one of the greats that deserves to sit at the end of the bench w/ Faulkner in front of the courthouse. That’s one great conversation that I’d love to hear, lol. Please do this

The Hoka and Ron’s presence changed my life. I found acceptance and so many friendships because of him. He will forever loom large in Oxford history!

Ron never met a stranger. He was legendary, not because of sports or music or politics but because he was an endless well of kindness and friendship- a soul who embraced his own uniqueness and loved everyone regardless of their differences. He embodied everything that makes Oxford wonderful.

This is a no-brainer. There's no one who made Oxford "Oxford" more than Ronzo. By championing the writers, musicians, artists, and overall creative energy of this town, he promoted and cultivated what is now often heralded as a cultural mecca of the American South. I can think of no one more deserving of such an honor.

I met him in his Hoka theater during a visit to Oxford years ago. Very welcoming, knowledgeable, mellow, and funny.

Do it!