Celebrating Juneteenth with Toni Kennedy of "What's Poppin' Penny?"
Discover how Toni Kennedy uses music to inspire young people, from her classroom, to puppeteering to her podcast "What's Poppin' Penny?" and its upcoming special Juneteenth episode.
DISCLAIMER: “What’s Poppin’ Penny?” is a sponsor of Queue Points.
Music is a universal language that transcends barriers, age, and even time. For Toni Kennedy music has always been a central part of her life and career as an educator. From her childhood experiences with a diverse musical collection to her innovative use of music in classrooms, Toni believes in the transformative power of melodies and rhythms to ignite young minds, and she’s used that power as Miss Toni Sings and with “Little Chick,” her puppet she’s used to educate young children.
There's nothing like music. There is nothing like a lyricist. There is like nothing like it to make you feel seen as a human being. I think that must have been in my subconscious because whenever I am with children that's my go to. Everything's a song.
- Toni Kennedy, Creator of What’s Poppin’ Penny?
Toni's gift extends beyond the classroom. In her podcast “What's Poppin' Penny?”, Penny, a “little girl with brown skin and curly hair,” embarks on adventures with her talking cat Penelepaw and her teddy bear, who also happens to be inhabited by the spirit of her trusted adult, her grandfather, known as T.A. The show is a beautiful amalgamation of imagination, storytelling, and valuable lessons interwoven with cultural wisdom and family traditions. Even the theme song itself is a testament to the show’s vibrancy. The song, written by Kennedy, and brought to life by producer Lucas F. Morelli and singer Paige Montgomery (Toni’s daughter), welcomes listeners into a joyous world of learning and family.
"What's Poppin' Penny?" is set to release a special episode on Juneteenth, 2024. The Juneteenth special follows Penny and her family as they travel from the big city to the family farm for a family reunion. This journey is not just a physical one but also a voyage through history and culture.
The episode features Betty Reid Soskin, playing the role of Aunt Jessie, the family griot. In a captivating narrative, she explains the origins of a magical teddy bear that has been a part of Penny’s journey, seamlessly blending fiction with history.
The upcoming Juneteenth episode is more than just a show—it's a celebration of culture, history, and the enduring power of music. Tune in on June 19, 2024 and make it a part of your family’s celebration. Let Penny’s adventures spark meaningful conversations and joyous memories.
For more from Toni Kennedy, follow "What's Poppin' Penny?" wherever you listen to your podcasts.