Diversity and Race 

Choose one of the following jazz artists/groups from the list below to research the way(s) in which race and/or diversity played a role in their interactions with American society in the earlier part of the 20th century (1900’s -1960’s.) This could include employment issues – performance opportunities, equal treatment, touring issues – hotels, travel options, etc.), criminal justice issues (cabaret cards, arrests, drug use-targeting of musicians and neighborhoods, etc.) and other societal issues of the day. Learn how they responded (or were forced to respond) to these issues and how they involved themselves in issues of civil rights and race and diversity discrimination. Discuss how they used their music or status in the entertainment industry to address these issues.  A short description of the Artist or group and what issue(s) of discrimination based on race and/or diversity you are writing about. How race and/or diversity affected their interaction with society during their historical period in America What sort of responses (if any) the artist/group made to react to the racially/diversity-divided society found in America as jazz music grew along with the country. How the artist/group used their music or status in the entertainment industry to address these issues