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Tributes are pouring in honor of Mr. Harry Belafonte, the legendary musician, actor, and activist who passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96. Mr. Belafonte was an icon in the entertainment industry and a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout his life.
President Barack Obama share a photo of him and Mr. Belafonte at the Oval Office with a message to family, friends and fans.
“Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans,” Obama said.
Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans.
Photos of Mr. Belafonte and civil rights icon Rev. Martin Luther King have emerged online, reminding the world of their close relationship and his role in fighting against injustice in America.
Mr. King’s daughter Bernice King posted a heartfelt personal message about her father’s friend as a kind person who supported her family during hard times.
When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways. In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget. Rest well, sir,” King said in a tweet.
Rev. Al Sharpton, described Mr. Belanfonte as a mentor and friend.
I’m heartbroken at hearing of the death of Harry Belafonte, a true mentor & friend. I cherished the time he would give me & others to guide us & correct us. He was a history-changing activist, a culture-changing entertainer, & an unmatched intellectual. RIP & Power, Mr. B,” Sharpton tweeted.
A fun video of Mr. Belafonte from other legendary music stars on stage with “We’re the World” co-stars has also emerged, showing his co-stars singing his hit song “Day O.”
One of my faves — Ray, Michael, Stevie, Lionel, Diana, Dionne, Tina, Bruce, Al Jarreau, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Smokey, Lindsey Buckingham, Bob Dylan, and so many more giving Harry Belafonte his flowers with a surprise tribute during the We Are The World recording session ???? pic.twitter.com/MjCWS3CMoe
— Zara Rahim (@ZaraRahim) April 25, 2023
Professor Cornel West also paid tribute to Belafonte: “I am deeply sad at the loss of my very dear brother – the great Harry Belafonte! His artistic genius, moral courage & loving soul shall live forever! God bless his precious family!” West tweeted.
He will also be remembered for his humanitarian efforts, including his role in organizing the “We Are the World” charity single in 1985, which raised $60 million for famine relief in Africa. (See the video of the epic song at the bottom of this story)
Born in Harlem, New York, in 1927, Mr. Belafonte was the son of Caribbean immigrants. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and later worked as a janitor’s assistant while pursuing a career in acting. He eventually found his calling in music, blending traditional Caribbean folk songs with jazz and pop influences to create a distinctive style that would make him a star.
Mr. Belafonte’s breakthrough came in 1956 with the release of his album “Calypso,” which included the hit song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The album made him the first artist to sell over one million copies of an LP and helped popularize Caribbean music around the world. He continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1950s and 1960s, earning numerous awards and accolades for his work.
In addition to his musical achievements, Mr. Belafonte was a prominent activist, using his fame and influence to advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a close friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963. He also supported various other causes, including the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and efforts to combat poverty and hunger around the world.
Mr. Belafonte had a successful career in film and television, appearing in numerous movies and TV shows over the years. He was also a noted philanthropist, establishing the Harry Belafonte Fund for Social Justice in 1987 to support organizations working on issues related to civil rights, education, and poverty.
Mr. Belafonte will be remembered as a true pioneer in the entertainment industry, a tireless advocate for social justice, and a humanitarian who used his platform to help those in need. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, who will cherish his memory and continue to honor his legacy. Rest in peace, Mr. Belafonte.
Here are some of Mr. Belafonte’s most notable achievements include:
- Musical career: Belafonte is a legendary singer and performer known for his signature hits such as “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell.” He has sold millions of records throughout his career, and his music has influenced generations of musicians.
- Acting career: Belafonte has also had a successful acting career, with notable roles in films such as “Carmen Jones,” “Island in the Sun,” and “Buck and the Preacher.”
- Social activism: Belafonte has been a passionate advocate for social justice and has used his platform to speak out against racism and inequality. He was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and helped to fundraise for the civil rights movement.
- Humanitarian work: Belafonte has also been a dedicated humanitarian, using his fame and resources to support various causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and disaster relief.
- Philanthropy: Belafonte has established several charitable organizations, including the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library in Harlem, New York, and the Gathering for Justice, which works to end child incarceration.
- Honors and awards: Belafonte has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2014.
We’re the World involved 46 vocalists and is considered perhaps the most talented collection of artists ever assembled towards a cause. Mr. Harry Belafonte played a key role in the effort that raise more than $60 million dollars to fight hunger in Africa.
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