Harry Belafonte, the dashing singer, actor and activist who became an indispensable supporter of the civil rights movement, has died aged 96
He was 96. Belafonte died Tuesday morning of congestive heart failure, Sunshine said. Belafonte was dubbed the “King of Calypso” after the groundbreaking success of his 1956 hit, “The Banana Boat Song .” He also became a movie star after acting in the film adaption of the Broadway musical, “Carmen Jones.” But Belafonte biggest contributions took place offstage. He was a key strategist, fundraiser and mediator for the civil rights movement.
Belafonte called Robeson part of his “moral compass.” “For me, Mr. Robeson was the sparrow. He was an artist who made those of us in the arts understand the depth of that calling, when he said, “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice.” His friendship with MLK Belafonte also built a friendship with King, another a powerful Black leader. King often flew to New York City to raise money for the movement and to meet key advisors.
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