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On International Day, ‘Jazz Means Courage, Standing Up for Freedom in the Spirit of Solidarity’
The top United Nations cultural official on 30 April 2015 said that artists across the globe have been drawn to the spontaneity and freedom of expression of jazz for over a century, as musicians and music lovers the world over celebrate International Jazz Day.
UN stamps commemorating International Jazz Day. Photo: UNPA
“In essence, jazz is a music of peace, and this has never been so important, to fight against new forms of hatred, racism and discrimination and to strengthen humanity as a single community, sharing a past and a destiny, said Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in a message to mark the International Day on 30 April 2015.
“Jazz means understanding others, letting them speak, listening with respect. Jazz means courage – it means standing up for freedom, in the spirit of solidarity,” she added.
Bokova said that in times of change and uncertainty, “we need the spirit of jazz more than ever before, to bring people – especially young women and men – together, to nurture freedom and dialogue, to create new bridges of respect and understanding, for greater tolerance and cooperation.
Jazz has given rhythm to the struggles of civil rights movements around the world, she said, hailing the power of this music to bring together artists from different cultures and backgrounds as a driver of integration and mutual respect.
“Through jazz, millions of people have sung and still sing today their desire for freedom, tolerance and human dignity,” the Director-General of UNESCO said in her message for International Jazz Day, celebrated each year on 30 April.
Born in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, jazz is rooted in African traditions, draws from European musical forms, and has evolved into various styles across the globe. But as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock puts it, “the roots of jazz are in humanity.”
- Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
- Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression;
- Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace;
- Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities;
- Jazz fosters gender equality;
- Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change;
- 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.
This year, the event is woven into the celebration of UNESCO’s 70th anniversary, and the agency is putting out the message to people everywhere, from Paris to Sidney. (*Source: UN).
2015 Human Wrongs Watch
Source: http://human-wrongs-watch.net/2015/05/01/on-international-day-jazz-means-courage-standing-up-for-freedom-in-the-spirit-of-solidarity/
