The Historical Influences of Jazz

The Historical Influences of Jazz on African American Culture and Society as a Whole During the 1920s

Presenter: Whitney Barksdale

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 21-22

Semester: Fall

Faculty Mentor: Sandra Moore

Department: American Multicultural Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project, SYRCE Symposium

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Diversity and Social Justice

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NoN2bBjQ9lvHRmO81X4bRLakVVIpfpwA

Abstract:
The aim for this project is to explore the historical influences of Jazz on African American culture and society as a whole during the 1920s. In the beginning of my presentation, I am seen discussing some of the challenges that African Americans were facing during the early 1920’s. As well as. how they were seen responding to this difficult circumstances. Additionally, in my project I am also seen giving some background knowledge on the Jazz Age, some of the major jazz artists during this time, and how it had changed culture and society as a whole. Furthermore, this project gives a historical timeline and description of major events and artist who made a tremendous impact on African Americna culture and society. Some major influences on Jazz that are discussed in this project is Buddy Bolden, The Cotton Club, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington. Each of these  historical influences made a termendous impact not only on Jazz but society today. Jazz was an outlet were African Americans were able to express thoughts, feelings, and frustrations about discrimination into their music. By doing this, African Americans were able to express themselves, reshape social perspectives, and gain self-independence. This powerpoint, shows the resilience and challenges that African Americans went through during the 1920’s. Specifically, this presentation  shows some of the historical changes that have resulted from African American Jazz artists.