A. Jazz is America’s indigenous art form, having its birth and evolution in the United States. The Joint Houses of Congress passed a resolution declaring jazz an American National Treasure. Jazz masters have been honored in Washington DC (as well as throughout the country), appeared on postage stamps, etc. B. To have such an art form as a national treasure is astounding, and something native to America makes it important seeing how the nation hasn't been around for as long as some. The music has touched me itself, and I do believe the music is deserving of its title and important to the history of America. C. A lot of music made these days are based off of classical or jazz records, which impacts the taste of music these days.
VIEW MOREA. They gathered outside of the building, signs reading DEMOCRACY MEANS LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL and CHRISTIANITY MEANS LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR in hand. Cedarleaf and Towne then led a procession through the neighborhood, flanked by participants carrying the American and Christian flags. The group sang what had become an anthem for the African American community, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and held hands as they arrived at the Strong residence. This was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. B. I think this moment is important because it's a peaceful protest against something worth fighting with fists over. The fact that these people can peacefully hold up their signs and protest against something that they should have by nature, freedom, is astounding to me, as I would fight tooth and nail for my rights if they were threatened. C. African Americans might not have as many rights today if it weren't for these protests.
VIEW MOREA. Woodrow Wilson was 28th President of the US from 1913 to 1921. He is best remembered for his role in the First World War – keeping the US out of the war, until reluctantly entering in 1917. At the end of the war, Woodrow Wilson formulated his 14 points, which sought to create an international League of Nations and institute principles of self-determination and justice as the basis for the armistice. B. Despite the conditions he grew up in within the south, he hated slavery, which made him very unpopular among his southern peoples, but he still loved his home. I think this is something to be admired, as having certain beliefs when everyone around you thinks the opposite is hard, trust me, I know. But then to go from unpopular in opinion to popular as president is something to be said. I admire that. C. The outcome of WW1 would be different if it weren't for him, the truth would be the same for WW2, and all our fates would most likely be altered.
VIEW MOREA. W.E.B. Du Bois was one of the most important African-American activists during the first half of the 20th century. He co-founded the NAACP and supported Pan-Africanism. He became the first African-American to earn a PH.D from Harvard. B. To play such a pivotal role in human rights makes me feel some awe. He was so supported by his all-white peers and teachers, which leads me to believe he had some kind of quality that made people believe in him. Those kinds of people are typically the ones strong enough to support a movement the most. C. All of the activists within the civil rights movement are important, as the rights of the minorities may still be limited if it weren't for them.
VIEW MORE1. America entered World War One on April 6th, 1917. Up to that date, America had tried to keep out of World War One – though she had traded with nations involved in the war – but unrestricted submarine warfare, introduced by the Germans on January 9th, 1917, was the primary issue that caused Woodrow Wilson to ask Congress to declare war on Germany on April 2nd. Four days later, America joined World War One on the side of the Allies. B. This is interesting to me because America seemed reluctant to enter both world wars, yet the effects were always positive ones. WW1 in general is a topic that interests me, but I've never had time to study it and what happening during the war, but never really had time to study. C. Again, if America hadn't entered WW1 than the fates of the future would most likely be entirely different, as we don't know who would've won if it hadn't.
VIEW MORE- James P. Johnson was an important transitional figure between ragtime and jazz piano styles. He was a piano accompanist on over 400 records from 1916 and on. He eventually became known as the best pianist on the East Coast. Johnson's 1921 recording of Carolina Shout is considered to be the first recorded Jazz piano solo by some critics, although it sounds a lot like Ragtime to this listener's ears. - As a lover of all music (minus pop and some hip-hop), a pianist involved with different styles within the Jazz Movement and various records he was an accompanist on, I am thankful to him for moving along the Jazz genre and overall being a part of it. Piano is the best instrument for music theory, mainly due to it's wide range and the visuals of half-steps and whole steps, and while it's easy to learn, it's hard to master. To be known as the best pianist on East Coast takes time, talent, and effort, and I respect it as a musician and a lover of music.
VIEW MOREA British war poet, died 1918, just before the end of WW1. In his early life, he focused more on studies of the Bible, yet during the war he found his voice and purpose as a poet. In many ways he was considered the best war poet of his generation for his gritty realism and poignant contrast between idealism and reality. 2. I found him to be a really interesting person, as if I were on the battlefield, poetry would probably be one of the last things I would think about, yet the fact still stands that a WW1 poet would be really good for displaying what war is really like and how it impacts people. So I command this man for taking the time to consider how he might display the atrocities of war in such an art form, as I myself am an artist.
VIEW MORE1. Child labor had been an idea through all human history, but many reformers sought to change that, as children worked long hours like adults, and in the small spaces adults could not work in. One big thing, was that children could be payed much less than adults, which was a problem because the children were also trying to support their families, which would be a problem if the children of the families were the only ones who could work. 2. This is important to me, as I am still too young to be working, as are most of my peers, and even older high schoolers that work, only work little jobs and hours. I cannot imagine how hard that must be on the kids, especially ones trying to support a family. They have had to grow up quickly due to a situation, which I can indirectly understand because of my own experiences that called for maturity, such as being diagnosed with cancer at age seven. Such things require more mental maturity, but it’s sad that such things are rushed, and it’s definitely not good for the children’s growth, as they need to grow strong, healthy, and happy in mind and body.
VIEW MORE- George Gershwin was one of the most significant American composers of the 20th century, known for popular stage and screen numbers as well as classical compositions. A composer of jazz, opera and popular songs for stage and screen, many of his works are now standards. Gershwin died immediately following brain surgery on July 11, 1937, at the age 38. - Seeing his attempts to grow to be a better musician, as well as his "gift" for piano reminds me of myself. Someone with natural talent and passion for a movement of music that has moved many, is fascinating, and someone to look up to for musicians of all kinds.
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