In the famous words of Nina Simone, "Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, it is a way of being, a way of thinking." The story of jazz tells illuminates part of history's quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism which why as of November 2011, Unesco established April 30th as the International Jazz Day and this year makes the 10th year anniversary since this was established.
This Day is intended to raise awareness of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for empathy, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people:
- Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
- Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression;
- Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities;
- Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones;
- Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies.
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