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2023

what do you know about jazz?

27/4/2017

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Jazz, although has its roots in Africa, was originated among African Americans in the United States in the late 19
th and 20th, centuries and merges both African and European music traditions. Since the 1920s, the so called jazz age, it is a major and well known musical genre famous all over the wo
rld.

In 2011, UNESCO proclaimed the 30th of April as the International Jazz Day in order to foster greater appreciation not only for the music itself, but also for the contribution of Jazz to build more inclusive societies – following to the origin of Jazz during the tremendous discrimination of African Americans that took place for so long in the USA.

Still today there are racial discrimination all over the world. Not least during the so called refugee crisis, right wing populist parties all over Europe became more successful. Therefore, this years Jazz Day is for two reasons meaningful: because empowering solidarity and inclusive societies in this time is significant and necessary, and second because the this year Jazz day is held in Havana, Cuba. After decades of isolation to the western world (the trade embargo is just one keyword), Cuba has experienced a lot of changes this year. As a former Spanish colony that still fights with racial discrimination, Cuba actively takes part in the Celebration of International Jazz Day this year. Also, The celebration in Havana of the International Jazz Day in 2017 marks the seventieth anniversary of Cuba’s accession to UNESCO.

In conclusion, no one would say Jazz Day is not important and a special day to celebrate. But what does Jazz Day, what does the genre Jazz means to us concretely? Let´s ask a former musical student from Serres, Iordanis Kesoulis.

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What comes to your mind when you think of Jazz?

​Well, firstly I think of the specific sound of the music. But also how the musicians present themselves on stage – I think everybody has seen some Jazz music appearances, even if they just took place in a movie. I think the music is nice to listen to, but not my favorite genre.

UNESCO has even proclaimed an international day just for Jazz. Can you understand this? Where do you think it comes from?
I believe it is because they want people, especially young people to know more about the origin of Jazz. How and because of what this genre was developed. With the help of a music genre, and with presenting this specific music, pupils will have more interest in learning about the situation of black people in America hundred years ago.

The UNESCO´s International Jazz Day each year takes place in another country – this year in Havanna, Cuba. Why do you think it is important to organize a series of events dedicated to Jazz in one specific place each year?
It is a very especial form to celebrate something. In this way, people from all over the world, that all are interested in Jazz, if musicians or historians, can come together. They can discuss about further developments in Jazz Music and talk about the importance of it. They also can celebrate the music by giving and listening to concerts. It is a very visible way to stress an UNESCO day.
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It is the first time that you heard about the International Jazz day, right? What do you think should be done that it becomes more famous?
Yes it is. I think there should be more events and offers for it. I am really not that into Jazz, but still it would be cool if there were free concerts and maybe some exhibitions. 

​Teresa Kampfmann

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world earth day 2017 - it´s time for science, not for silence

19/4/2017

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On this year´s Earth Day, 22th of April, people from all over the world will merge in order to demonstrate for the importance of science. This Saturday after Easter, people around the world will be forming demonstrations in the big cities to emphasize the goals of international earth day  while also stressing how important science in this field is.

The occasion for this unprecedented connection between world earth day and science in one day are current political developments. After Trump´s assumption of office in January numerous scientific information regarding climate change disappeared from official governmental websites. During Trump´s election campaign he repeatedly contradicted climate change as well. The organizers of the March for Science in Germany even underline there is a worldwide trend towards a lack of freedom in science – to see for example in the Hungarian government´s treatment of their university professors.
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Being faced with powerful politicians denying both climate change as well as the need to expand environment protection, the goals of the Paris Climate Congress in 2016 and energy transformation are more and more unlikely to be reached. By the this year connection between importance of science and the world earth day this confronting issue should be brought to mind. Anti-science agendas and policies have been advanced by politicians and they will harm everyone — without exception.

The best way to ensure science will influence policy in the field of environmental protection is to encourage people to appreciate and engage with science. Internalize scientific facts more than believing what politicians say will lead to an awareness towards climate change and the need to fulfill the Paris Climate Convention goals – or even over fulfill these. Quite apposite is the this year theme of world earth day: It´s time for science, not for silence.
​
​Teresa Kampfmann

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