Join Access Tucson Community Media and its supporters and friends for the first annual Celebration dedicated to Freedom of Speech.  The event will be held on Wednesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Café a la C’Art in the Tucson Museum of Art courtyard.  Tucson Mayor Rothschild is issuing a proclamation declaring April 18^th, 2012, “Free Speech Day”

Attendees will enjoy an artistic array of fine foods while being entertained by the Arizona Daily Star’s editorial cartoonist David Fitzsimmons and nationally renowned Robert Mac.  There will also be a silent art auction.

Editorial cartoonist David Fitzsimmons. Photo by Vikki Dempsey.

“Laughter and free speech are inextricably entwined.  Fitz and Robert are not only home-grown, but exemplify important freedoms in our country. Media has long been used to share ideas and to galvanize public opinion,” says Access Tucson Board President, Bob Kovitz.  “This is a chance for the community to honor the rights of citizens to speak freely in an era when civil speech seems to be at a premium, this is an ideal way for Tucson to support public discourse.”

Access Tucson Community Media has a 28-year history of promoting freedom of speech through all forms of media.  Its classes, production resources and coverage of local events have supported the public discourse of thousands of Tucsonans and local organizations.

Tickets for the event are $30 per person or $50per couple.  Entry includes food, entertainment, a complimentary serving of beer or wine.  For tickets, go to http://accesstucson.org/news/2012/02/1st-annual-celebration-of-free-speech/ or call 520-624-9833 x232.