Folk music legend, actor and activist Harry Belafonte has passed away on Tuesday at the age of 96 (AP News). Belafonte was widely known as the “King of Calypso” and made a name for himself in the music industry with hits such as “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell”. However, he was more than just a musician and used his stardom to become an indispensable supporter of the civil rights movement (CNN).
Throughout his career, Belafonte always remained dedicated to activism, speaking out against injustice and using his platform to make a difference in the world. He was arrested multiple times for his participation in protests and was known for forging relationships with other civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. (The New York Times).
Belafonte was also renowned for his work outside of the entertainment industry. He served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and in 1985 helped launch the charity event “We Are the World” to benefit Africa (The New York Times).
His impact on the world was apparent even in his personal life, as his son David Belafonte described in his tribute to his father, “To the world he was a legend, but to us he was Dad” (Today). Harry Belafonte will be remembered not only as a talented musician, but also as a trailblazing activist and humanitarian who used his voice to make the world a better place.
