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A Time for More Important Things

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A note from Mike Palter of “Jazz is a Rainbow"


I have just received a call from one of the supporters of our “Jazz is a Rainbow" projects informing me that Carefusion has decided to cease its support of the Newport Jazz Festival. Because part of our JIAR project involves bringing under served, Providence area children to the festival, generally children of color whose exposure to jazz has been virtually non existent, one might suppose that I am concerned and upset by this new development.

This is, however, not the case. In the light of the recent election results, I had already assumed that the educational and cultural needs of under served children would have to wait until more important economic problems were solved. That our annual visits to the festival and our “Jazz is a Rainbow" endeavors, most recently our “Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong" project, have encouraged a sense of self esteem, achievement and hope among these kids is of little importance as we confront America's real problems.

I am certain that Carefusion had very good reasons to drop its support. Times are tough. What the heck, general unemployment is still above 10% and still over 15% for minority folks.

This is the time for jobs, not music. These kids can learn about Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday later. This is the time for more important things.

Sincerely,
Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter

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