(ATLANTA – April 27, 2023) – Harry Belafonte, the show-stopping activist-entertainer who became an essential supporter of the civil rights movement, passed on Tuesday at the age of 96. Whilst establishing a groundbreaking career in music and film, Belafonte lent his fame and influence as a key strategist, fundraiser, and mediator for the civil rights movement, repeatedly risking his career and life alongside his – and our – good brother, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’49 and his beloved wife Coretta Scott King.
Via CNN: “I’ve often responded to queries that ask, ‘When as an artist did you decide to become an activist?'” Belafonte once said. “My response to the question is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.”
In 2001, Morehouse honored #Belafonte with the #CandleInTheDark Award for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment in a star-studded class including musician Ray Charles, comedian-activist Dick Gregory, civil rights leader Rev. C.T. Vivian, and others. Belafonte also played a pivotal cameo role in 1979 alumnus Spike Lee’s Academy Award-winning film “BlacKkKlansman,” starring another Morehouse alumnus John David Washington ’06.
#HarryBelafonte is an icon whose dedication to leveraging one’s talent, skills, and privilege for the uplifting and advancement of others will forever be an example to emulate. Well done, Mr. Belafonte. Well done.
Listen to the Morehouse College Glee Club’s full rendition of Belafonte’s “Take My Mother Home” at linkin.bio/morehouse.
#morehousecollege #morehouse #morehousemoments #ripharrybelafonte #hbcu #hbcus
