By Nicole D. Batey, Particular to the AFRO
Civil rights leaders and organizations throughout the nation are reflecting on the lifetime of civil rights icon, singer and actor Harry Belafonte Jr. The 96-year outdated Belafonte died on April 25 morning of congestive coronary heart failure. He’s most remembered for utilizing his expertise and time within the highlight to combat for social justice on the peak of the Civil Rights Motion.
Rev. Kobi Little, president of the Baltimore Metropolis NAACP, advised the AFRO that “Harry Belafonte had a life well-lived.”
“We will solely aspire to stay in addition to him, to have a constructive impression on each tradition and society. His assist of the civil rights motion is a mannequin for different entertainers and celebrities. We’d like extra of their funding in making a distinction to advance justice and fairness for folks of coloration,” stated Little. “We’d like others to assist proceed his legacy by getting extra concerned in social activism and constructing fairness, in order that his work and the works of others like Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and LeBron James develop into the norm and never thought of the exceptions within the development and sustainability of our communities.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, founder and president of the Nationwide Motion Community (NAN) stated “Harry Belafonte was a real mentor and pal,” in an announcement despatched out shortly after information of Belafonte’s loss of life.
“I’m heartbroken to listen to of his loss of life however impressed by the lengthy, fruitful life he led. He realized his platform gave him the power to have an effect on change. He used it to advance the civil rights motion and get others in his place off the sidelines,” stated Sharpton. “I cherished the time he would give me and others to each information and proper us. He was a culture-changing entertainer, a history-changing activist, and an unmatchable mental. Relaxation in peace and energy, Mr. B.”
Since 1991, Nationwide Motion Community (NAN) has labored throughout the spirit and custom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to advertise a contemporary civil rights agenda that features the combat for one normal of justice, decency and equal alternatives for all folks no matter race, faith, nationality or gender.
“The passing of civil rights icon Harry Belafonte leaves a devastating void within the racial justice neighborhood. Earlier than his rise, no entertainer had ever used the platform and sources his fame afforded him to perform a lot,” said Marc H. Morial, Nationwide City League President and CEO in a message despatched out to the press. “His private and monetary assist was vital to each main occasion of the Civil Rights Motion, from the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Marketing campaign to the March on Washington and the Freedom Summer time of voter registration. Each American who works for racial justice takes inspiration from his unwavering dedication.”
Morial mirrored on how Belafonte put his personal life on the road for what he believed.
“He confronted down threats to his profession, having been blacklisted in the course of the McCarthy Period, and threats to his life, notably when he and Sydney Poitier had been chased by Klansmen whereas delivering contributions to voting rights activists in Mississippi,” recalled Morial. “It was an honor and a privilege to know him. The Nationwide City League and the City League Motion will cherish his reminiscence and try to honor his legacy.”
In response to the loss of life of the award-winning singer, actor, and civil rights activist, the Southern Poverty Legislation Heart (SPLC) said:
“Harry Belafonte was a passionate civil rights icon whose contributions by means of the humanities proceed to encourage our combat for the liberty and liberation of Black and Brown folks immediately. A powerful supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Belafonte used his movie star to quietly underwrite the civil rights motion. When needed, he solicited well-known buddies and even financed the motion himself—paying bail cash and hospital payments and organizing a committee that raised $50,000 to proceed the Birmingham Marketing campaign after Dr. King’s arrest. Belafonte’s activism prolonged past the USA as he fought towards apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela and Miriam Makeba, campaigned for Mandela’s launch from jail, and advocated for famine aid in Africa.”
“The SPLC mourns the passing of Harry Belafonte, Jr., the epitome of a servant chief with an unwavering dedication to social justice worldwide. Our hearts are with Mr. Belafonte’s household and family members. In his honor, we are going to proceed the march towards fairness, justice, and liberation for all.”
Belafonte’s loss of life reverberated with the best elected officers within the land, with even President Joe Biden talking on the life and legacy of the civil rights and social justice warrior.
“Harry Belafonte was born to Caribbean dad and mom in Harlem, N.Y. on March 1, 1927, when segregation was the order of American society. To our nation’s profit, Harry by no means accepted these false narratives and unjust boundaries. He devoted his whole life to breaking obstacles and bridging divides,” stated Biden, in an announcement issued the identical day as Belafonte’s passing.
“As a younger man motivated to seek out his function, he turned mesmerized by theater when he noticed a efficiency of the American Negro Theater in Manhattan. As certainly one of America’s unique breakthrough singers and performers, he would go on to garner a storehouse of firsts—the primary Black matinee idol, the primary recording artist to promote over one million data, the primary Black male Broadway actor to win a Tony award, the primary Black producer to win an Emmy award, and one of many highest paid entertainers of his time, amongst different accolades,” continued Biden.
“Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for human dignity will endure. He will probably be remembered as an incredible American.”
