One of the questions that continues to stand in the way of music being an integral part of every education is the limited understanding of the value of music. In my Capstone, I  look forward to educating my community on the value that music provides in peace and social justice movements by examining the integral role it has played in our nation's history. 

As the universal language, music plays a unique role in uniting cultures and overcoming pre-existing boundaries. Music has initiated massive movements of peace between warring groups, as displayed by the Acholi of northern Uganda, who widely credit music with playing a key role in ending over two decades of armed conflict. (Opiyo) As displayed by the Acholi people, music plays a very real role in transforming conflicts, on large scales, but also on more local and individualized scales. 

Music not only serves as a way to unite, but as a way to make change, as it serves as a way for millions across the globe to combat social injustice. The profound effects of music and art as social combatants have been displayed throughout history, proving their value as a means of expression and advocacy. In examining United States History it becomes obvious the central roles Jazz, Gospel, and Folk music all played in the African-American Civil Rights Movement and Black empowerment. 

Music in its entirety provides us all with a voice. A voice to tell our story and understand others'.