The Knockturnal shared an unforgettable evening at Jackie Weld Drake’s residence, chairman of the non-profit organization Casita Maria.
She held an intimate celebration at her beautiful art-filled Park Avenue residence in honor of Nat King Cole Generation Hope. The Harlem School of The Arts and the legacy of Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole were also honored.
Guests of honor were Casey Cole-Ray and Timolin Cole-Augustus, the twin daughters of American singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole and jazz singer Maria Cole. Other guests in attendance were the president of Harlem School of The Arts, James C. Horton, and supporters.
Jackie Weld Drake
Jackie donned a dress with accents of red matching the red walls of her beautifully decorated red sitting room. Jackie tells us, “If you feel good in a certain color, that’s the color one should wear!” Her feel-goodness is contagious, and her do-goodness shows as she makes her way around, ensuring that all become acquainted throughout the evening.
Display at Jackie’s residence
As Nat’s L-O-V-E plays softly in the background, she introduces us all to Casey and Timolin. They say a little something about their beloved father and what the foundation they founded in his honor means to them, reminding us, “The arts are what binds us all.” Casey tells us her father said, “Perhaps one day I will be able to bring harmony to people through music,” and it is met with applause by all.
We chatted briefly with Felix Urrutia, the newly hired executive director for Casita Maria, a non-profit organization now located in The Bronx. Casita Maria was founded in 1934 by a group of volunteers in a church. Their mission was to serve Puerto Ricans coming from the island to New York City, East Harlem specifically, to give them the skills to set them up for success in their transition from life on the island to life in the bustling city. Decades later, they continue to offer programs and classes enriching the lives of the youth through the arts and more.
Casey Cole-Ray (right) and Timolin Cole-Augustus
Nat King Cole Generation Hope was founded by Casey and Timolin in 2008, a non-profit foundation providing equal access to music education, mentorship, and resources for underserved, economically disadvantaged youth in under-resourced communities. The Cole family legacy lives on through the twins. Their drive is to ensure that music is as fundamental as reading and math.
James C. Horton speaking at Jackie’s event
These organizations have set a path for children to access music education. Harlem School of The Arts does just the same, an organization offering students the freedom to find themselves within the arts, offering music, dance, theatre, and art in all forms. Around for over 50 years, their cultural arts center allows students to learn all things art and culture by world-class faculty. Some of their alums include actor Caleb McLaughlin who plays Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, actress Zazie Beetz who starred in Joker, Atlanta, and Deadpool 2, singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz and others.
Collectively, these organizations, alongside their dedicated leaders and supporters, offer children of all demographics, not just in their communities but beyond, access to culture, arts, and education. They have donated instruments to schools and offer summer camps, after-school programs, homework help, tutoring, and counseling. They also provide access to services beyond arts and education, answering the call to their communities needs.
“Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.” -Yo-Yo Ma
