National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day, observed annually on March 1, is a celebration of jazz and the visual, performing, and auditory arts in all their splendour. The day is held on the first day of National Women’s History Month because it honours only current and past African-American female artists. Black Women In Jazz, a Georgian organisation, established this day.

The background of National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day

Jazz is synonymous with American musical innovation. We compare the dance-oriented music of the 1920s to contemporary jazz avant-garde. Black women have played important roles in jazz music since its inception in the early 20th century.

Because playing the piano was deemed “appropriate” for women, the earliest female figures were often pianists. In addition, numerous of these women performed in churches. In fact, jazz music first appeared in the South among African-Americans influenced by the gospel, and this likely led to many black women becoming pianists.

As a result of sexism in the U.S. music industry, many female artists migrated to Europe and Asia, making jazz a worldwide phenomenon. By the 1920s, women were engaging in a variety of activities. They have since evolved into vocalists and instrumentalists. Not yet famous, but experimentation was beginning to gain traction.

As World War II approached, so did opportunities for female-only jazz bands to flourish. The men fought in the military, and now women have taken their place. Although such bands were not uncommon, their popularity soared during this time period. At that time, the most popular band was International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

They were initially recruited to perform at local dances and parties in order to raise money for a school. Other all-female black jazz ensembles quickly followed in their footsteps. It was not all smooth sailing. The media, press, and society viewed jazz as a male-dominated industry, and women were advised to abandon this way of life.

Women’s suffrage and the emergence of a number of renowned black jazz musicians slowed the tide’s decline. The genre itself underwent numerous transitions into contemporary styles.

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Activities for National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day

Take part in an event

Check to see if local organisations are hosting special events for this day (and even this month). Plan to attend at least one of these events.

Appreciate their creations

Not able to participate in an event directly? Instantaneously honour African-American women through their works. Listen to their music, read their works of literature, recite their poetry, and view their performances.

Take an intensive course in jazz.

Utilize documentaries and books on jazz to refresh your knowledge of the genre. Examine the history of American music through the lens of jazz.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT BLACK WOMEN ARTISTS

She was a writer, poet, singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, composer, historian, civil rights activist, and the first black female director in Hollywood.

She was able to sing and play the piano simultaneously, earning her the title “mother of jazz”; she composed hundreds of songs for prominent performers such as Duke Ellington and trained Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie.

This well-known singer-songwriter learned to read music by playing the piano, finding a rhythm, and composing a song.

Allen’s application to the Houston Ballet School was initially denied due to the colour of her skin. However, an instructor secretly enrolled her in the school, and she was soon asked to remain due to her talent.

Lorraine Hansberry, the first black playwright, was also the youngest American to win a New York Critics’ Circle award.

NATIONAL BLACK WOMEN IN JAZZ AND THE ARTS DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 1	Wednesday
2024	March 1	Friday
2025	March 1	Saturday
2026	March 1	Sunday
2027	March 1	Monday