Beauty, Love and Justice…The Kids for Coltrane Story Presented at Adelphi University
Posted on: May 23, 2017
Click on link to read the article in the Jazz Journalists Association News
Kids for Coltrane Workshop Presented at the MLK Center in Long Beach, New York with Founder Christine Passarella and Philosopher, Writer and Public Intellectual Dr. Cornel West
Posted on: February 24, 2017
Dr. Cornel West and Kids for Coltrane founder Christine Passarella visited the MLK Center twice in Long Beach, NY. On September 26, 2015 they presented workshops for the community.
“King’s radical love put a premium on artistic performance and existential praxis. His sermons were performances that authorized an alternative reality to the way the world is. His living radiated a radical tenderness, subversive sweetness, and militant gentleness. He found great joy in serving others.” Excerpt from The Radical King by Dr. Cornel West
“I take my fundamental cue from John Coltrane that says there must be a priority of integrity, honesty, decency, and mastery of craft.” Dr. Cornel West
The Kids for Coltrane with Ms. Passarella on set filming the John Coltrane documentary directed by John Scheinfeld
The Kids for Coltrane will be highlighted in an extraordinary new film coming out in 2016 about the brilliant John Coltrane. Filming our part was a wonderful experience. We want to thank acclaimed writer-director John Scheinfeld and his wonderful team!
Update: Our portion will be out on the dvd version of “Chasing Trane”….stay tune for release date
Photo of Dr. Cornel West and Christine Passarella
A note from one of my students…a brilliant young poet. “Thank you Husna for your kind and generous statement.” Husna recited her poetry during the Art of Protest and Celebration of Peace event at Adelphi University. She was part of the special presentation on September 4th with me and Dr. Cornel West in Garden City, New York. Special thank you goes out to Professor Devin Thornburg for inviting us to speak.
“I began writing poetry and songs about two years ago, along with performing arts such as sketching, painting, sculpting and what not. But at one point my fire had nothing else to feed on, so it slowly burnt out into society’s darkness. All that was left of my work remained in the ashes. But then she walked into my life Christine Passarella, a beautiful, inspiring, and absolutely stunning woman who earned my respect with an hour’s worth of teaching. She collected the ashes, the burnt memories, the unfinished work and she ignited the newly split fuel. She is one of the inspirations behind my work, my actions, and my words. Ms. Passarella was the one who introduced me to the past heroes who live in today’s future. Because of this respected woman, I was able to meet a genius who later stood as another inspiration, Dr. Cornel West. Because of this wonderful woman, I am indeed A KID FOR COLTRANE. And because of this beloved woman, I am where I stand today with fire in my eyes.”
Husna Mirza (Middle School Student)
Congratulations to Husna for recently being elected Student Body President at PS/IS 178 🙂
Take a look at our photo page…Oh The Places You’ll Go
Kids for Coltrane Awards
Posted on: October 29, 2014
Dora Pappalardo receives The Kids for Coltrane Nat Hentoff Humanitarian Award, Zina Aminov receives The Kids for Coltrane Reach for the Stars Award
Congratulations to our award winners! During the My Favorite Things Concert the Kids for Coltrane presented two very important awards. Parent ambassador, Dora Pappalardo won The Kids for Coltrane Nat Hentoff Humanitarian Award for her dedication to the children. Fourth grade student, Zina Aminov received The Kids for Coltrane Reach for the Stars Award for her dedication to our mission and vision. We are all inspired by musician John Coltrane who was a force for good. Our program focuses on creativity, curiosity, caring and courage. Dora and Zina are two fine examples of our team! — This event took place in New York City, June 2014 at The Holliswood School
