Harry Belafonte is a true folk hero, whose music and activism have inspired generations. Born in Harlem, New York in 1927, Belafonte grew up in poverty and was forced to drop out of school at the age of 14 to support his family. Despite the challenges he faced, he went on to become a pioneering musician and a powerful voice for social justice.
Belafonte’s music is rooted in the rich traditions of African American folk and gospel music, and he is best known for popularizing calypso music in the 1950s. His hits such as “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell” became international sensations and helped to bring Caribbean music to the mainstream. Belafonte’s music is known for its infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and powerful lyrics that speak to the struggles and joys of everyday life.
But Belafonte’s contributions go far beyond his music. He has been a lifelong activist for civil rights and social justice. In the 1950s and 60s, he worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders to advance the cause of racial equality. He helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963, and he was a close friend and advisor to Dr. King until his assassination in 1968.
Belafonte has also been a tireless advocate for global human rights. He has worked to end apartheid in South Africa, supported the struggles of Indigenous people in Central and South America, and advocated for the rights of refugees and immigrants. He has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1987, and he has been recognized for his humanitarian work with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Throughout his career, Belafonte has embodied the spirit of the folk hero, using his music and activism to uplift the voices of the marginalized and oppressed. He has used his platform to inspire and empower others to fight for a more just and equitable world. Harry Belafonte’s legacy is a testament to the power of music and the importance of using our voices to make a difference.
