2009 Spring Conference Keynote Speaker

Ms. Ella Jenkins

HER MUSICAL LEGACY SPANS MORE THAN 40 YEARS

ELLA draws on her experiences growing up on the south side of Chicago and says, “I was raised with respect for my elders and teachers, which helped me throughout my life.” Her Uncle Flood played the harmonica and was her introduction into music. She also had many musical influences just outside her home. Gospel music and the sound of tambourines were often heard from the loudspeakers of churches across the street. Ella’s family relocated frequently, trying to move “uptown” from their neighborhood. Rhythms, rhymes, and games were different in each new neighborhood. Ella began to create songs for children while volunteering at a Chicago recreation center and subsequent education-oriented jobs. Through her work, she gained an understanding of children from various backgrounds, and today continues to learn a great deal from children.

Link to Ella Jenkins' website.