Renowned singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte passed away at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure, as reported by various news outlets (NPR, Fox News, USA Today). Belafonte was an iconic and barrier-breaking performer who smashed racial barriers in the 1950s with his highly personal brand of folk music, which stormed the pop charts at the time. He was known for songs like “Jamaica Farewell” and “Day-O” (The New York Times, NBC News).
Belafonte was not only a trailblazing singer but also an activist with a ‘rebel heart,’ becoming an indispensable supporter of the civil rights movement, as reported by CNN. He challenged the status quo with his radical thinking and was instrumental in fighting for racial equality (The New York Times). He engaged in various forms of activism throughout his life, including being a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, performing at rallies and fundraising events for vulnerable communities, and advocating for political prisoners.
Beyond his activism, Belafonte was also an award-winning actor, both on stage and screen, and made his mark in Hollywood by being one of the first Black performers to portray leading roles in mainstream productions. He was also dubbed the ‘King of Calypso’ and infused his music with elements of his Caribbean heritage, which resonated with audiences around the world (Honolulu Star-Advertiser).
Belafonte’s contributions to music, acting, and activism earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He received multiple Grammy awards and was the first African American to win an Emmy award, as reported by The New York Times. In 2013, he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his work as a social activist, making him the first Black person to receive the award.
Despite his larger-than-life achievements, Belafonte remained a humble and down-to-earth person to those who knew him. His son David Belafonte paid tribute to him, saying, “To the world, he was a legend, but to us, he was Dad” (TODAY).
The passing of Harry Belafonte has left a void in the music, acting, and activism industry that will be hard to fill. His legacy as a trailblazer, rebel, and revolutionary will continue to inspire generations to come.
