“R&B
THROUGH THE AGES”
A WINTER WHITE EXTRAVAGANZA
DECEMBER 13, 2025
THE VUE
HAMDEN,CT
Alwaysin OurHearts
Today,welovinglyhonorthememoryofConleyandOliviaMonk,whose liveswereshiningexamplesofservice,compassion,andunwaveringfamily love.Theirlegacylivesonineveryactofkindnessshown,everyhand extendedtohelpaneighbor,andeveryvoiceliftedinsong.
ConleyandOliviataughttheirchildrenthetruemeaningof community—servingotherswithhumility,givinggenerouslywithout expectinganythinginreturn,andshowinglovethroughbothwordand action.Theyinstilledintheirfamilyadeepcommitmenttovolunteerism andabeliefthatstrengtheningthecommunitybeginsathome. Theirnurturingspiritextendedtothearts,wheretheyencouragedand supportedmusicalgiftsthatcontinuetoflourishtoday.Throughthe creationoftheMonkFamilyChoir,theycultivatedaspacewheremusic, fellowship,andfaithcouldcometogetherinharmony.Thattraditionof joyfulexpressionliveson,echoingfarbeyondthewallswhereitbegan. Thoughtheyarenolongerphysicallywithus,theirpresenceremains deeplyfelt.Theirteachingsguideus,theirlovesustainsus,andtheir legacyinspireseveryefforttoupliftandempowerothers. Conley&OliviaMonk—forevercherished,foreverremembered,and alwaysinourhearts.
“R&B
THROUGH THE AGES”
ROGRAM P
Welcome
Introduction of the MC
Mr. Thelonious Monk III
Tribute to Honorees
Musical Selections
The Haven String Quartet
15 min. Intermission
Musical Selections
Finale
Roz and Jerry Meyer Roz and Jerry Meyer
RozandJerryMeyerarecommunityactivists,philanthropists,andnonprofitleaderswhosework has had a lasting impact on the cultural and civic life of New Haven and beyond. They cofounded LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership) in 1992 to provide academic enrichment and leadership opportunities for neighborhood youth, helping to build a strong pipeline of young mentors and leaders for our city. Roz co-founded the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, transforming the city into a global stage for music, ideas, and community dialogue. Jerry led and championed the Longwharf Theater for many years. They have been strongsupportersoftheartsandtheater.
Between them, they have served on and chaired numerous organizations, including LEAP, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Long Wharf Theatre, Foote School, Lost in New Haven, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Arts Council and 4-CT among others. Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to education, the arts, and community empowerment,guidedbyabeliefinthepowerofcollaborationtocreatemeaningfulandlasting change.
Through their dedication, they have inspired countless individuals and contributed to the vibrancy and resilience of the community, serving as role models for civic engagement and the transformativeinfluenceofvolunteerismandvision-drivenleadership.
Thelonious Sphere Monk III Thelonious Sphere Monk III
Born in New York City, Thelonious Sphere Monk III began his music career early in his life, honing his skills throughout the 1970s. Monk's destiny was sealed when Art Blakey, gave him his first drum set at the age of 15, and began lessons with Max Roach. After earning a reputation in school as a rabblerouser (and graduating), the young Monk joined his father's trio and toured with his dad until the elder Monk's retirement in 1975. Monk then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. He first toured with a group called Natural Essence and afterward, along with his sister Barbara, formed his own band. By the dawning of the 1980s, he had formed his eponymous band, which featured him on drums and occasional lead vocals. The group's début album, 1980's House of Music, featured several hits that placed on the Billboard R&B chart, including "Bon Bon Vie (Gimme the Good Life)", which featured Monk on lead vocals, and "Candidate for Love". The tracks peaked at No. 63 and No. 58 respectively, in the UK Singles Chart. To honor his father's legacy and support the efforts of education, Monk turned his attention toward forming the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Monk received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual "Recording of the Year" award and Downbeats' 63rd annual Album of the Year Reader's Choice Award for Monk on Monk. By the 1990s, Monk was ready to begin his solo career, in which he has taken a decidedly more jazzoriented direction. In 1994, T. S. formed his band, the T. S. Monk Sextet.
T.S. is a founding member and Executive Board Member of Monk Youth Jazz and STEAM Collective, Inc.
Gale Grain Monk Gale Grain Monk
Music publisher Gale Grain Monk was born on July 30, 1958 to Dora and Walter Grain in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. Monk attended Jamaica High School in Queens, New York and received her high school diploma in 1976. In 1984, she received her B.A. degree in broadcast journalism from the City College of New York and later attended Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.
Alongside her husband, Monk co-founded the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in 1986, a non-profit jazz music education organization. In 1989, Monk became the manager of the Thelonious Monk Estate, making her one of the few African American females in jazz music publishing. In this role, she oversaw numerous projects from remastering Thelonious Monk’s works to reinstating the rights to his music. One of the songs Monk worked towards regaining the rights to was Thelonious Monk’s 1943 song “Round Midnight,” which became a jazz standard for jazz musicians and listeners and the most recorded song in the history of jazz.
She is the proud mother of two; Sierra and Thelonious, she is Olivia’s mother-in-love, and she and T.S. have just celebrated the arrival of their first grandchild Grace.
ailey Irene Bailey
Dr. Beryl Irene Bailey has 38.5 years of educational experience, within the Connecticut; New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, and Bloomfield CT Public Schools. She is the founder and CEO of, From Pages to Pedagogy, LLC, author, and a national language and literacy consultant. Dr. Bailey received her Doctorate Degree in Curriculum Development and Systemic Change from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FLA in 2003. She received her M.S. Degree in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University, 1987 New Haven, CT, and her B.A. Degree in Special and Elementary Education from Simmons College, 1981, Boston, Massachusetts. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), teaching certificates in special and elementary education and administration and supervision certificate.
Dr. Bailey is the author of Bailey’s CLOSE Reading process, a Toolkit for CLOSE Reading, creator of Bailey’s meta-textual markers, and the co-author of Bailey’s Punctuation Posse Patrol-a children’s educational rap detailing the purpose and function of punctuation marks. She is also the creator of PINGO: Punctuation Bingo, a critical thinking game designed to provide students with deliberate practice in monitoring and analyzing punctuation marks in reading and writing.
Dr. Bailey has a solid foundation in both scholarship and application of language, literacy and numeracy and is a nationally recognized author with articles published in “Literacy Today”, January 2017, Feeding Two Birds , with One Worm: Using close reading strategies to intertwine literacy and numeracy, International Literacy Association and Association for Supervision Curriculum and Development’s (ASCD) EL, Dec/Jan 2024, Bridging Subject-Area Content and Reading Instruction: Teachers must integrate the reading of science to implement the science of reading .
atts Michael Batts
As some would say, “He radiated like Sunshine” Those were the words written about Michael in The New Haven Register not long ago. The sentiments were true, because Michael always had a smile, a joke, a kind word, or encouragement for anyone he encountered. A gregarious type of person, with a calm, peaceful temperament and always humming or thumping on one of his many base guitars. Michael played funk music but loved all genres throughout the years.
Michael Allen Batts was a lifelong resident of Hamden, CT. He loved music from childhood, as he taught himself to play instruments by ear, until later taking lessons. Michael, alongside lifelong friends, David Reaves, Paul and Parker Dennis, Kent Bracey and Brian Phillips started a band called “The Bleechers.” They rehearsed in the bleachers of Rochford field on Millrock Rd in Hamden every Saturday as teens, where the neighborhood listened to them mature in skills and vocals. The band began writing music and songs that DJ’s played on local radio stations. Michael wrote the band’s first single called “Party Rock,” in addition to others and later the band released a CD.
Michael worked for over 29 years at Blue Cross in No Haven, but his love for music guided him to a job in the industry. He worked in security at Toad’s Place for years, and many called him a gentle giant. Others that knew him well, nick-named him Barry White because of his deep baritone voice. While at Toad’s, Mike became friends with the owner, Brian Phelps and networked with many great musicians. He was also the band's Manager, booking gigs here in CT and on the road. As young adults, The Bleechers changed their name to Rearview and opened for Toad’s world-renown musicians. Michael also traveled nationwide solo playing base guitar for funk, rock, and R&B groups. One band was Sons of Funk, created by Parliament Funkadelic’s drummer.
On Sunday morning you would find Michael playing for the choir at St. Paul’s church. God was the head of his life, and he followed The Word and shared the importance of living a life that is pleasing to GOD with others.
For years Michael organized an annual festival in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King here in the Elm city. That was no surprise because he took pride in our history and heritage. I recall Michael mentioning he was so glad we had a Black History teacher at Hamden High School. Honestly, anytime there was a chance to play music it was a joy for Michael, and he wanted everyone to fall in love with music just as he had fifty years ago.
Edward Dr. Edward
Dr. Edward Joyner is an associate professor of education at Sacred Heart University. He has presented throughout the world and trained educators and social policy makers from every continent but Antarctica. He is the co-author of several books addressing the education of poor and/or minority children. They include Rallying the Village and Child by Child, two of the best sellers at Columbia Teachers College Press. He is the lead author of the Field Guide to Comer Schools in Action that describe thirty-five years of work done by the School Development Program and its founder, Dr. James P. Comer. His most recent work involved doing a retrospective evaluation of Black kindergartners who integrated the Shaker Heights school system near Cleveland, Ohio several years after the Brown decision.
He is married to Shirley Love Joyner, a high school administrator in the New Haven Public Schools and is the father of Monica, the lead math teacher at Career High School in New Haven, and Edward II, a youth development coordinator at Betsy Ross School in the same city. His favorite quote is by Benjamin Mayes, who said: “When you are born behind in the race of life, you must run faster.”
Monica Joyner is a proud graduate of New Haven Public Schools and of James Hillhouse High School, Class of 1986. During her time at Hillhouse, she distinguished herself academically and socially while serving as Student Government President for both the school and district councils. Her efforts earned several honors, including Connecticut Scholar, National Merit Scholar, New Haven Register Youth of the Year, and recognition as part of the inaugural Connecticut Scholars class at Choate Rosemary Hall. She continued her education at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and solidified her passion for teaching and youth development.
Monica began her career in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she taught middle and high school mathematics and developed a reputation for excellence, patience, and compassion. After seven years, she returned to New Haven to serve her home community. Her leadership journey has included roles as a teacher, administrative intern, and school leader across multiple New Haven schools, including Hill Regional Career High School, Wilbur Cross, Hillhouse, Troup, and Conte West Hills. She currently serves as the PK–12 Mathematics Supervisor for New Haven Public Schools, where she oversees curriculum implementation, educator support, and student achievement in mathematics districtwide.
Throughout her career, Monica has been deeply committed not only to academic rigor but also to mentorship and personal development. She has led programs supporting student leadership, empowerment, and educational equity. Monica’s educational philosophy is grounded in building strong and meaningful relationships and ensuring students feel valued, supported, and capable. To her, education is a partnership between teachers, students, and families—one that requires mutual respect, open communication, and shared commitment.
The most rewarding part of Monica’s work is witnessing transformation—whether it is the joy of a struggling student finally experiencing comprehension or a former student sharing that her words or belief made a difference in their life. These moments fuel her purpose and reaffirm her dedication to the profession she considers both a calling and a joy.
Shirley Love Shirley Love
Shirley Love Joyner is defined by love. With love, she has dedicated her career to guiding young people toward brighter futures. Over the course of her distinguished tenure in education, she served as a teacher of at-risk youth, Director of Training at Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), high school and middle school mathematics instructor, and business and computer science teacher. She went on to inistrator for the Connecticut Scholars Academy, a guidance counselor at Wilbur Cross High School, and ultimately retired as Assistant Principal at James Hillhouse High School. Throughout each role, Mrs. Joyner demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students' success and created transformative programs, including the Project Most College Tour and Accentuating the Positive, a district-wide initiative celebrating student achievement across New Haven Public Schools.
Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Many former students call her "Mom" or "Auntie," and she serves as Godmother to several young people she mentored. Shirley attends her former students’ graduations and life milestones, and her home remains open to those seeking guidance, encouragement, a warm meal, and love.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the New Haven TAPS Award, the West Haven Black Coalition Outstanding Educator Award, the Yale Black Men's Union Leadership in Education Award, Construction Workforce Initiative 2 Outstanding Service Award, the Say Their Name Award, and the Wilbur Cross Alumni Association Pillar of Guidance Award.
Now in retirement, she advocates for the empowerment of women and remains a dedicated mentor. For Shirley Love Joyner, the calling has always been clear: to meet young people where they are and help them become who they are meant to be. She is known for her dedication, demand for respect, competence, professionalism, and above all—love.
MELA KELLEY DR. PAMELA MONK-KELLEY
The name "Monk" and prominence are synonymous, and Dr. Pamela Monk Kelley most definitely lives up to her name as she continuously "stands out" in all her endeavors. Pamela is no stranger to the bright lights and bustling sounds of the entertainment world, boasting a lineage that includes legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, Super Bowl Hall of Famer Art Monk, the velvet-voiced icon Nat King Cole, and music superstar Pharrell Williams.
Dr. Pam is a devout Deaconess in her church, characterized by a profound and unwavering relationship with God. Dr. Kelley’s work in historical preservation is both hands-on and documented: Literary Works: She is the author of several volumes for the All Roads Lead to Newton Grove series and the book Hello Cousin, which further documents and preserves family connections. Media Recognition: Her dedication to healing historical divides earned her a feature in People Magazine's June 27th, 2011 issue, in an article titled "Healing Slavery's Wounds." Local Preservation: She is the Founder of the Lee-Career Hall of Fame and has been instrumental in organizing commemorative events for the New Haven teachers who were incarcerated during the 1975 Teachers' Strike, ensuring these critical local histories are celebrated and remembered.
Dr. Kelley’s dedication is reflected in her extensive leadership roles across the community and state: American History Committee State Chairperson for the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).Trustee Chairperson for Thomas Chapel Church of Christ. Co-Chair of the Hill North Community Management Team. Executive Director of the Monk Bloodline Heritage Connection (a 501c3 organization). Special Projects Director for the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress Founding Board of Director for the Monk Council, LLC
Dr. Pamela Monk Kelley’s life is a testament to the power of commitment and service. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Larry Kelley, for 44 years. As a proud mother of Latrisha, LaShante’, LaQuionna, and Larry Jr.; grandmother of four grandchildren, Darius, Kayla, Kennedy, and Kamyrn; and great-grandmother of Layla and Legend, she carries the philosophy famously expressed by Maya Angelou to her grandmother: "I come as one but I stand as 10,000!" This conviction drives her ongoing efforts to educate, preserve, and advocate for her community.
Spencer is a scholar/artist dedicated to bringing joy to children through his Luckey Climbers. Before cultivating his love for architecture in his late 20's, Spencer took the scenic route with a variety of jobs, from house painter, waiter, cell phone salesman to bike messenger, but the common thread throughout was always music. A modestly successful singer in elementary school, he performed in many musicals and assemblies before falling in love with Jimi Hendrix and the electric guitar at age 12. In bands throughout high school and college, Spencer honed his craft and resolved that while he may never become a virtuoso rock star, the joy of making and studying music was something that he could and would do for the rest of his life.
Educated at Foote School, Connecticut College and the Yale Architecture School, Spencer designs and builds climbing sculptures with his brother-in-law at Luckey Climbers - a firm whose works can be found in children's museums, science centers, malls, cruise ships and theme parks in 18 countries, perhaps even in New Haven one day!the sun never sets on Luckey Climbers.
ynthia Dr. Cynthia
I grew up in Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement. Everything was separate for black and white people: bathrooms, water fountains, and the movie theater. My doctor's office was across the alley behind my parents' business; I the back door rather than the front. The back door was labeled at that time the "colored entrance." I saw how different patients were treated. Dr.Austin was soft spoken, kind and caring to all of his patients He made house calls to all of his patients regardless of their race or where they lived. I wanted to be like him. My family moved to Arizona from Mississippi in 1965 when I was 15 and then California after I graduated from high school. Seven years later, I moved to New Haven to go to medical school. Being a pediatrician has been a gift. It has been a privilege to be welcomed into the lives of parents and their children. I never thought I would stay in New Haven, but it has been the perfect place for me. My patients come from all socioeconomic backgrounds. I have learned so much from them. We have been through births, graduations, marriages, and some sadnesses. I have traveled on mission trips to Rwanda, Haiti and Mississippi, all of which have deepened my commitment to people from other cultures. I am on the boards of LEAP and the Fair Haven Clinic and I am a member of the advocacy committee for the Ct Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics. I feel fortunate to have known Mrs. Monk Flake for so many years. I am inspired by her work introducing children to the arts and sciences.
Quemillar Payne has been a New Haven resident for over seventy five years. She and her late husband, Robert have two children, Dudley and Bridgette. In 1970, she and Robert founded and directed the Christ Chapel New Testament Church Youth Choir. She recognized the musical potential in her son, Dudley, and encouraged him to be the group’s pianist. That boost led him to pursue his love of choral music, jazz, and R&B. To augment her love of the Scriptures, she and Robert completed the Hartford Seminary Black Ministries Program. She continues her personal ministry devoted to spreading the Gospel through a committed life.
Always intrigued by gifted raconteurs, Quemillar completed the Conn College Storytelling Center Certificate program.
Subsequently she participated in the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Greater New Haven Storytelling and Clown Ministry. She has been a supporter of Monk Youth Jazz since its inception. We are proud and honored to have her as our guest today.
hristopher Stephen Texeira Christopher Stephen Texeira
Christopher Stephen Texeira was born into a large New Haven family. Chris was educated in New Haven Public Schools and after graduating from Wilbur Cross High School, he attended Central State University in Wilberforce Ohio, where he graduated and earned a B.A. Degree in History. He met his wife, Phyllis after he graduated, during that time, she was still in college. They have been together ever since.
He has been employed by Am Tote (Lottery Division) as a Marketing Representative, a Retail Manager for Fayva Shoes in New Haven and Warehouse Outlets in Norwalk, before joining the New Haven Fire Department. As a firefighter with the New Haven Fire Department, he became a member of the New Haven Firebirds Society, The National Association of Black Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was proud to have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant during his tenure with the Department.
Chris is well traveled and, while he has visited many European countries, Morocco and the Cape Verde Islands, he opines that it is important to see his own country as well. He and Phyllis traveled by train across the U.S. and back and have visited many National Parks from Maine to Utah and Arizona and were awed by the Sequoias in California.
Chris and Phyllis try to support many charitable, educational and cultural organizations. Chris is an avid fan of local theater. He particularly admires the creativity and beauty of set designs. Chris also loves music and plays congas.
Expand Your Environment Beyond Your Backyard -Mr.Lucky
ummingsCummings-
Phyllis Cummings-Texeira born at Fort Jackson, S.C. She came to New Haven when she was in fifth grade. Phyllis graduated from Hillhouse High School. She graduated from Connecticut College in New London, where she graduated with a B.A. Degree in Sociology and also obtained a certificate to teach on the Secondary Level. It was the summer prior to her junior year of college that she met her husband, Chris. They have been partners ever since that time. She holds an M.S.W. Degree from Southern Connecticut State University.
Phyllis taught in the New Haven Public Schools (Roberto Clemente Middle School, James Hillhouse High School) for three years before working at the Dept. of Social Services. However, it was her employment with the Family Services Division (State of CT., Judicial Branch) that stimulated her interest in Social Work and the law. She loved the challenge of working with, and resolving, what, some may define as intractable civil family cases. She was employed as a Family Relations Counselor, then Supervisor and ultimately, Regional Manager. Phyllis proudly served on many committees for the Judicial Branch and Family Services. She was involved with conducting trainings and workshops for Judges, Family Relations Counselors and Supervisors.
Phyllis loves local theater, reading and travelling with Chris. She firmly believes that one must always remain curious in life and that continuous learning comes in many different forms and experiences; from lectures and book talks, the arts or just conversing with people. Chris and Phyllis try to support many charitable, educational and cultural organizations whenever possible.
Hold fast to dreams… -Langston Hughes
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Monk Youth Jazz and STEAM Collective, Inc. is a music and STEAM driven college and career readiness program.
Founded by members of the Thelonious Sphere Monk Family and Monk enthusiasts; Monk Youth Jazz seeks to inspire, educate, enlighten, uplift, unite, and cultivate a beloved multicultural community.