“Take The Nasty Out Ya Mouth”
by Riquee Blackman Jarmon | December 7, 2009 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
In the spirit of Rosa Parks, Melodye Micere Van Putten brought a message to New Haven: Dress presentably, speak properly, and read and write abundantly.
“Pull up your pants, and take the nasty out ya mouth,” Van Putten, author of Obamatyme: Election Poetry & Soul Poems, told a crowd of around 50 people Friday night.
Van Putten was the guest speaker at New Haven’s fifth-annual “Thank You Rosa Parks” event, commemorating the woman whose refusal to give up a seat on a race-segregated Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955 sparked a boycott that in turn propelled the Civil Rights Movement.
Friday’s event, organized by Dorthula Green, took place at Troup School. (Click here, here and here to read about past years’ events.)
Van Putten expressed the importance in African-Americans having rites of passage and knowing who they are in order to overcome the burdens that come with not knowing history.
Yury Maciel-Andrews, PTO president and parent of a Troup student, said she appreciates the message Van Putten brought.
“Things like this are not easy to make happen because the culture of the educators is different from the culture of those within the community,” Maciel-Andrews said. “It’s extremely important for us as parents to try to make that happen.
She said she wants to use some of the words spoken by the Van Putten to decorate the school. “She touched me in a deep level, even with children around me,” said Maciel-Andrews, laughing. She was sitting for the children of another parent, who was helping out with the program.
Van Putten said if she were a celebrity like Lil Kim, more people would have come out, a feeling echoed by organizer Green, who said the event’s committee will work on increasing turnout next year.
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Comments
Posted by: QQ | December 7, 2009 1:25 PM
Kudos to you all! It is very hard to get parents to attend events in urban shcools that are not "entertaining" keep up the good work. You are sending the right message at home which is where parents have the biggest impact on their children. Parents who are partners in their children's education have the most successful students.
Posted by: Dorthula | December 10, 2009 6:30 AM
Thank you to the Independent and Ms. Blackmon Jarmon for this coverage of the 5th Annual Rosa Parks Tribute. Our guest presenter was phenomenal. Helping youth connect the history to their own lives is important. We educate to liberate our hearts and minds from the hidden dangers of mis-education which often leads to criminal behavior,neglect, ignorance and other issues that equal to present day slavery and injustice. Thanks to the Independent for covering the news of our city. Peace & Blessings
Posted by: Mrs. Green | December 11, 2009 11:47 AM
We also want to thank the A.L. Troup School Band and Chorus who did and outstanding job during the pre-show. Thank you parents for allowing your children to participate. Thank you Ms. Dottie Green for arranging Mrs. Van Putten to visit with our 7th and 8th grade students in their classrooms. I'm sure that her inspirational words had a life long impact on the students as well as on the teachers who have heard them. And thank you Principal Kaliszewski for opening the doors of A. L. Troup School to the community.
Posted by: Melodye Van Putten | December 11, 2009 5:28 PM
It was a privilege and pleasure to share my gifts and talents with the New Haven Community! Many thanks to Dottie Green, Troup School, Bea Taylor, Pat Masson, the New Haven Independent for covering the story and everyone who came out... Happy Holidays!
Posted by: junior | December 11, 2009 7:09 PM
THAT'S MY MENTOR!!!!!!!!!!
she ripped it....as usual......big up, moms!
Posted by: Brother Mawusi | December 14, 2009 2:36 AM
She is a master educator... I continuously learn from her works... She has taught me good stuff with her many talents... The books she makes available helps me to teach others... If you are able to purchase her materials or get the chance to meet her... You will become a better person and
Praise GOD and thank her for the opportunity to be in her presence....
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