FAQs

Q?

When people hear the word jazz, they think music. But, what is jazz to your organization?

A.

Jazz is a culture; it’s a term that defines an array of experiences….music, conversation, art, lifestyle, food, fashion….. all those elements define the eclecticism of jazz. Of more focus for the Durham Jazz Renaissance Foundation (DJRF) , jazz expresses a commonality of the African American experience. Like much of the African American experience, jazz has been distorted, undermined, misinterpreted and devalued. A goal of the DJRF is to revitalize and restore the authenticity of jazz, encouraging it to “speak” its own original power.

Q?

Take me more in-depth and make me feel the heart and soul of jazz. Can you explain that?

A.

The heart and soul of jazz are the people, the pain and the joy of the African American experience. Jazz is a cornerstone and so much a part of the African American tradition that jazz itself is an interweaving of the suffering as well as the successes of African Americans. So, understanding jazz is helping to understand our roots, essence or heartbeat. On the other hand, not understanding or appreciating Jazz is like a form of self-oppression or denying essential aspects of yourself as part of the black African diasporic community in the US.

Q?

You’re trying to preserve jazz through art and education. Tell me exactly how you’re doing that?

A.

Mac is helping DJRF preserve jazz through performing on a continuous basis and sharing with the public and much as possible. To share with the younger generation and community at large through workshops and jazz clinics is one of the major components of the DJRF mission.

Q?

Speaking of education, you give out scholarships. When did this start? Why? What’s the amount given? And how can students apply?

A.

To encourage students to pursue the arts and enhance their potential through exposure to arts and education, DJRF has established a scholarship program. Starting in 2017, the DJRF granted two $1,000 scholarships, one to North Carolina Central University and one to Hillside High School, both in Jazz Studies. DJRF looks forward to expanding scholarship amounts as well as recipient numbers in the near future.

Q?

Who founded the organization?

A.

William H. McLaughlin, Jr., retired Registered Pharmacist, formally initiated the DJRF in December, 2015. Currently serving as DJRF CEO

Q?

Who sits on the board and what are their duties?

A.

Charles Robinson, Mauwena Agbeblewu, Robert Trowers, Wayne Williams, Amina Wright, and Beverly McLaughlin

Q?

How can people in the community join the effort?

A.

People in the community may join the DJRF effort by donating, attending our events, volunteering as needed, and purchasing our products.