As Nina Simone said, "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 is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. 

To celebrate the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, UNESCO proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day in November 2011. This Day is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation – not only for music, but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.