Civil Rights Activist and Singer Harry Belafonte passes away at 96
Harry Belafonte, a famous singer, and actor who broke down racial barriers in the United States, passed away at the age of 96 in his Manhattan home.
Belafonte was one of the most successful African-American pop stars ever, with popular songs including Island In The Sun, Mary’s Boy Child, and the UK chart-topper Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).
Harry Belafonte was an important civil rights activist (Source: NPR)
Despite his musical success, his most significant accomplishments were his efforts as an activist for black civil rights in the US.
His spokesperson, Ken Sunshine, confirmed that he died due to congestive heart failure.
The late activist is survived by his wife Pamela, his children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, and David Belafonte, as well as two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, and eight grandchildren.
Harry Belafonte was close with another powerful civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Harry Belafonte and MLK became friends and worked together to support the civil rights movement.
King visited New York City to raise money and meet advisors, and they met at a church and spoke in a basement room.
Belafonte recalled their meetings:
“It was just us at a card table with straight-back chair. What was supposed to be a few minutes led to almost four hours. I liked his courage, his thoughts, his ideas and his mission. I committed to him after that.”
Belafonte had connections and star power and helped raise money for Luther’s organization, bail out activists, and organize the 1963 March on Washington.
He also provided support to King’s family by paying for housekeepers and babysitters and taking out a life insurance policy for King.
Coretta Scott King later praised Belafonte for his generosity and said that he was always there to help them in times of trouble.
“Whenever we got into trouble or when tragedy struck, Harry has always come to our aid, his generous heart wide open.”
King stayed in Belafonte’s apartment and even wrote a famous speech denouncing the Vietnam War while there.
Oprah Winfrey, Joe Biden, and many others posted tributes to the late leader on social media
Actors, musicians, politicians, and many more took to social media to pay tribute to Belafonte.
Oprah Winfrey was one of the first to post. She wrote:
“Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice — especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement. Your being here on Earth has Blessed us all.”
“To our Nation’s benefit, Harry never accepted those false narratives and unjust boundaries. He dedicated his entire life to breaking barriers and bridging divides. Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for human dignity will endure. He will be remembered as a great American.”
Harry Belafonte and Martin Luther King were good friends (Source: Newsweek)
“May God Have My Dear Friend HARRY BELAFONTE At A Peaceful Rest. We Are Losing Our Giants Left And Right. We Have To Celebrate Our Elders While They Are With Us.”
Similarly, Tiffany Haddish also posted a picture with him with the caption:
“Rest in peace King Harry Belafonte. I am so honored and Grateful that I got to sit at your feet and learn from you.”
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