“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
-Unknown
William Melvin Kelley, a long time resident of Harlem where he was known simply as “Duke,” believed in the power of community.
He was very generous about sharing knowledge and writing techniques with people around him. He was always willing to trade and barter with knowledge and things. His community supported him in return.
These are some of the wonderful people who have supported William Melvin Kelley and his family through the years by lending their talents to the effort to uphold the legacy of his work. More will be added as time goes on, and we hope that you will visit and support their work.
Jay Smooth is a hip-hop commentator/writer/radio host/public speaker and youtuber, who launched New York’s longest-running hip-hop radio show, The Underground Railroad, way back in 1991. He also helped pioneer hip-hop’s “blog era” here at hiphopmusic.com starting in 2002, and since 2007 has been best known for his commentary on music, politics and culture in the Ill Doctrine video series. Jay is the narrator on all of six of Willliam Melvin Kelley’s audiobooks.
An audio drama creator and writer, Yhane is known for the audio dramas HARLEM QUEEN and 1972. Yhane writes stories about the incredible history and legacy that Black people, particularly Black women, have in building this country, using their wits and grit to build amazing lives for themselves that leave a lasting impact on the communities in which they live. Stay tuned for exciting news on how Yhane is contributing to Kelley’s legacy.
Rebecca Carino founded Carino Studio in 2001, and along with a dynamic team of developers and creatives has been delivering effective and emotionally-resonating brand experiences ever since. In addition to her web and graphic design credentials, Rebecca is a fine artist who has exhibited her work and curated art shows at New York and San Francisco galleries, and is the designer of this website.
