"I will never again play anything that does not have social significance ... Now what we have to do is employ our skill to tell the dramatic story of our people and what we've been through."

(Max Roach)

Thesis Statement:

Max Roach, a pioneer of bebop jazz and modern percussion, was an advocate for civil rights in the 1960's through his "We Insist!" album, which communicated the injustices facing African-Americans and the chilling history of racism across the globe. This proved to be a driving force within the Black community, imparting the idea that music can overcome racial bias and injustice.