This research seeks to answer how the history of black ethnic struggles in the United States and the history of jazz are connected. The following issues are discussed: -Black culture in a white society during the twentieth century, -The role of jazz musicians, both black and white, in advancing integration, fighting for civil rights, and using their music as a voice, -Specific examples of musicians, music, and incidents that illustrate your points, -How the progress of jazz styles reflects the cultural changes of the century, and, -How the general ethos of dominant culture is evident in the world of jazz.