Embracing Diversity: Our Commitment to an Inclusive and Respectful Community

For more than 40 years Living Jazz has worked to foster a community that is open, inclusive, and respectful of diverse perspectives. Since the beginning, our mission has been to create a space where everyone feels welcome and free to authentically express themselves.

We will never ask our artists or participants to censor themselves or their affiliations. Instead, we encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. We recognize that our community is made up of individuals with varying opinions and backgrounds, and we see this diversity as a strength. We deeply value all the members of our community as well their beliefs. 

We address the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive environment by emphasizing the value of open dialogue and the need to approach differences with kindness and consideration. We believe this approach helps maintain a positive and supportive community for all. Living Jazz values a safe space and does not condone acts of violence or discrimination; instead, we promote a sense of community and acts of care. 

This kind of environment allows Living Jazz to host programs such as Jazz Camp West, where we can have a pride parade, sing gospel, celebrate Shabbat, wear a keffiyeh, honor indigenous peoples, and examine the history behind jazz music; and Jam Camp West, where children feel safe enough to both find their authentic selves and embrace peers on a different path. It also allows us to remember the struggles and celebrate the victories of our black and brown communities through our tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And it’s the reason why we can teach the cultural context of the music and dance traditions passed down to our Jam Campers and Living Jazz Children’s Project elementary school students.

This environment creates a space where people from different walks of life can come together to exchange viewpoints and walk away feeling heard and understood.

That is the beauty of Living Jazz.