Daniel Pearl Music Night 2011

It's about freedom of speech, of expression, of the press.  For the past ten years, American Embassies throughout the world have sponsored music concerts to honor the life and work of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter assassinated in Pakistan because of the articles he wrote.  In the years since, hundreds of reporters and editors the world over have lost their lives because of their chosen profession and the reaction of totalitarian regimes against those who report the truth as they see it.  Just this year alone, over 55 reporters have paid for their profession with their lives.  So, last night, US Embassy Port Louis sponsored an evening of excellent local music, celebrating freedom of the press, and honoring those who have paid  dearly for their chosen profession.  It was a glorious evening of outstanding music---jazz, blues, rap, and pop---all in the cause of an important ideal and key principle of democracy.  An inspirational, and aspirational night!