Ecuador Ambassador Luis Gallegos provided opening remarks, and LSN Executive Director Jerry White emceed the event. Jordanian born percussionist Hani Naser began the evening with a solo performance of Middle Eastern music, followed by Rubén Blades, accompanied by Editus, a trio from Costa Rica. Later, Lou Reed joined the Blind Boys for a set, and the evening ended with people dancing in the aisles and singing along with the Blind Boys -- certainly a first for the General Assembly Hall!
The Blind Boys of Alabama have spread the spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music for over 60 years, ever since the first version of the group formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. Today, founding members Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott are joined by more recent arrivals Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce on a mission to expand the audience for traditional soul-gospel singing while incorporating contemporary songs and innovative arrangements into their hallowed style.
The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees, “all people are free and equal in dignity and in rights.” However, many disabled people live as outcasts in their society, including those who have been victims of landmines. Almost 600 million people—10% of the world’s population—currently live with disabilities. Landmines Survivors Network, a leader in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, has launched a global campaign to secure the UN Convention by 2007.
The concert was partially underwritten by the Reebok Human Rights Foundation and JP Morgan Chase.
Organized by Landmine Survivors Network, the high profile musical event raised awareness and mobilize support to protect and promote human rights of people with disabilities worldwide.
Hani Naser opened concert at United Nations General Assembly
The Blind Boys of Alabama
A view of the General Assembly and the crowd before the performance.
