Remembering one of the greats

Critically acclaimed intellectual Dr. Cornell West visited the Long Beach Martin Luther King Center on Sept. 26 to celebrate what would have been jazz legend John Coltrane’s 90th birthday. The Martin Luther King Center recently launched the “Kids for Coltrane” project, which uses jazz to teach children about American history, equality, character, education and the arts.

The goal is that by doing this, children will become invested in literacy, creativity, compassion and curiosity.

Dr. West held two discussions during his visit, one with seniors of the North Park Neighborhood and the other for children.

“Kids for Coltrane” was started by Christine Termini, Dr. West’s girlfriend and a former Long Beach resident, who said her vision is to encourage children to follow their bliss and be inspired by who John Coltrane was and the music he left behind. Coltrane was a jazz artist who played in nightclubs during the 1940s and ’50s and on recordings with other famous musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Bostic and Johnny Hodges. He came to prominence when he joined Miles Davis’s quintet in 1955.In 1992 Coltrane was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His work continues to be a part of soundtracks for movies and television and in 1995, the United States Postal Service recognized the late musician with a commemorative stamp. More importantly, his sound has inspired generations of newer jazz musicians.