A Party for Poppy

A Party for Poppy

From Jesi Kelley

We are still humbly raising funds for our Poppy's big Send-Off, but we have revised our goal downward. We didn't need as much as we thought.

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Jesi Kelley posted a new update:
almost 8 years ago

Update #3

It was a beautiful party; we could feel our beloved father, husband, big brother, collaborator, teacher and friend smiling and enjoying us. The family is so grateful to all of you who came, who contributed, who spoke or played or sang, A very very special thank you to Rabbi Sara Luria, to our cousin Sandra Hayden-Taylor, to our friends Jeannie Lee and Stacey Spencer-Willoughby, to Winona Jackson, to Marjorie Eliot, to Anthony G. Evans, Victor Trent Cook and the alumni Gospel Chorus family from the High School of Music and Art for making this send-off so very special. Words are truly inadequate to express the depth of our gratitude.

As you can see, we have revised our needs downwards because as we settle up debts, we found we didn't need quite as much as we thought (in part because people have been AMAZING). We will still accept donations for a little while.

William Melvin Kelley's legacy will live on in his writing (some of it yet unpublished), his two movie shorts, and hours of interviews. If you'd like to stay updated on what happens with his work now, please visit his fanpage on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamMelvinKelley

As we settle into our new reality, we will update and continue the online magazine he started: https://kelleysmagazine.com

Again, thank you all so very much. We are humbled and grateful.

-The Kelley Family

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Jesi Kelley posted a new update:
almost 8 years ago

Update #2

The family thanks you so very much for all of your contributions, your calls, texts and emails. Details for the Big Send Off are:
Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 5P-9P
Harlem School of the Arts
645 Saint Nicholas Avenue, NY NY 10030

Take the A Train to Sugar Hill (145th Street) and walk south about two blocks.

Your contributions are still very much appreciated. Poppy was an artist, not a banker :)

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Jesi Kelley posted a new update:
almost 8 years ago

Update #1

We are overwhelmed by your generosity. In particular it helps our mom not to worry about details. My sister and I truly appreciate all you've contributed so far. Today we made arrangements with Benta to bring Poppy home to his beloved Harlem, and we think that his party will happen next Wednesday evening, hopefully beginning at 5PM. The place is centrally located in Harlem but I will give the name as soon as the details are confirmed. Thank you so very much. We are overwhelmed.

This picture is of Poppy reuniting with his old friends from Carpenter Avenue.

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Andrew Sargent commented with a $200 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Dear Mr. Kelley, Thank you for your brilliant writing. My sympathies to your family. Andrew Sargent
Alexandra Daniels commented with a $50 donation:
almost 8 years ago
My writing mentor, my Sarah Lawrence don, I will miss you Willy. To Mrs. K and his entire family, I send my love. Ali Daniels
Tom Wolejko commented with a $100 donation:
almost 8 years ago
I was his student in 2002, loved every minute of his classes -- grateful to have known him.
Laura Anderson commented with a $35 donation:
almost 8 years ago
I'll always remember Duke doing the soft shoe for Jim, Mirabel and me on an empty stage in the park. Hugs to you all.
Rebecca Reynolds commented with a $10 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Lots of love to you, Cira and family. I hope Poppy has a wonderful celebration
Susan Orourke commented with a $35 donation:
almost 8 years ago
a small token of my sincere appreciation for the exquisite work of one of my favorite authors.
Anonymous commented with a $200 donation:
almost 8 years ago
It was an honor to know Mr. Kelley. I am so grateful for his mentorship and his writing.
Rudel Drears commented with a $100 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Bless you family
Leila Darabi commented with a $100 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Thank you, Willy, for the stories and lessons in storytelling.
Robin Salazar commented with a $20 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Love
Eli Rosenblatt commented with a $100 donation:
almost 8 years ago
In honor of William Melvin Kelley from his student at Sarah Lawrence (2006)
Frenchella Strickland commented with a $100 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Sending my Love
Susan Crane commented with a $35 donation:
almost 8 years ago
May his memory be for a blessing.
Adalhi Mittnacht commented with a $40 donation:
almost 8 years ago
Mandamos amor y paz, Los Mittnachts