Wyclef Jean Headlines Haitian Journalists Event

WASHINGTON - Wyclef Jean will be among several Haitian musicians who will perform at the National Press Club in Washington, on Wednesday January 26, at an event to raise funds for journalists in Haiti. Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive will be among the speakers at the Night of Solidarity for Haitian Journalists, which is also meant to raise awareness of the need for a strong, vibrant and free press as Haiti rebuilds from last year's earthquake.

At least 30 journalists were among around 300,000 people who were killed in the earthquake that struck on January 12, 2010. Proceeds from a Night of Solidarity will be used to provide social and professional assistance to Haitian journalists and financial assistance to families of journalists killed in the disaster.

Some of Haiti's best musicians will perform at the event, which will last from 7 until 10 p.m. and will bring together many of the country's cultural and political leaders in support of a free press.

Michel Martelly AZOR King Kino

Michel Martelly, also known as "Sweet Micky" is a pioneer of Haiti's unique Konpa (or kompas) style of dance music. He was also a candidate in last year's presidential elections.

AZOR is a leading drummer and Voodoo singer, while King Kino is a leading Konpa and R&B singer.

The night will end with a performance from Wyclef Jean, the grammy-award winning Hip-Hop artist and former member of the Fugees.

Other speakers include Guy Lamothe, Director General of Haiti's Investments Facilitation Center and Mirlande Manigat, another candidate in the presidential elections.

International advocacy group Reporters Without Borders will issue a report on press freedom in Haiti at the event. There will also be a silent auction of paintings by Haitian artists.

Night of Solidarity with Haitian Journalists
The Night of Solidarity with Haitian Journalists is organized by Haiti-based press freedom watchdog, SOS Journalistes, in partnership with The National Press Club, the Capital Press Club and Trice Edney News Wire.

It is sponsored by Haitian cellphone company Voila Comcel and by Yele Haiti, Wyclef Jean's foundation for Haiti, which is now focused on aid and relief after the earthquake.

Donations collected will be used to support projects benefiting needy Haitian journalists and are tax deductible to the fullest extent the law allows.

About SOS Journalistes
SOS Journalistes is an organization of Haitian journalists created to defend liberty of the press. It accomplishes this through advocacy for at risk journalists, social and professional support.

SOS Journalistes believes that this is one concrete way journalists and the media in Haiti can make a significant and crucial contribution to the struggle against corruption and to the construction of a new Haiti - one where the terms good governance, transparency, justice and accountability would find their true meanings.