Harry Belafonte, the singer, actor and Civil Rights activist, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 96. (NYT) The performer had a significant impact on music and the Civil Rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Belafonte broke barriers in pop music and used his platform to advocate for racial equality. He gained fame with his distinctive style of folk music in which he often incorporated Calypso rhythms. (NBC)
Belafonte’s activism extended beyond music. He was involved in the Civil Rights Movement for decades, working alongside figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and marching with him in Selma, Alabama. (AP) Belafonte also founded the Gathering for Justice, an organization aimed at ending child incarceration and racism. (FOX News)
David Belafonte, Harry Belafonte’s son, paid tribute to his father in a statement, writing, “To the world he was a legend, but to us he was Dad.” (TODAY) The elder Belafonte’s influence inspired later artists, including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. (The Hindu) Belafonte received numerous awards for his activism and contributions to entertainment, including the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. (CBS)
Belafonte’s legacy will live on through his music and activism. His work paved the way for future generations to use their platforms for change. (NPR)
