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Commemorating Slain Journalist Daniel Pearl with Music

An evening of music … Full size.

The United States Embassy dedicated its fifth monthly edition of First Fridays to the life and legacy of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Daniel Pearl, an accomplished investigative journalist and gifted musician, was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. The October 6, 2006, Evening of Music used Pearl’s parallel skill as a musician to unite the audience in its support of journalists worldwide who, through their courage in the pursuit of truth, continue to keep the world informed. In the words of the Daniel Pearl Foundation creators, Daniel Pearl Music Days are celebrated in cities on each continent “to promote tolerance and inspire respect for differences.” During the music-filled evening at Le Petit Tam Tam, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the life of Daniel Pearl as they enjoyed the talent of budding Cameroonian musicians. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Niels Marquardt underscored the important role journalists play in democracy and peace-building. The program thrilled an enthusiastic, standing-room only crowd of more than three hundred, including journalists, musicians, cultural entrepreneurs, and members of the diplomatic community. The public was invited to trying their knowledge of local and international media in a media quiz sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Press Section. The twelve proud winners now sport Daniel Pearl Music Days T-shirts and U.S. Embassy baseball caps. Participating artists lauded the Embassy for promoting promising Cameroonian musicians and for using music to pass on the message of tolerance, solidarity and hope. (Photo gallery)