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Born Harold George Belafonte Jr., Harry Belafonte is best known as one of the most successful entertainers in American history. He was born in New York to parents of West Indian heritage and lived in Jamaica from the age of nine until he was thirteen. In addition to his work as an actor, Belafonte is worthy of admiration and respect for participating in and supporting the struggle for civil and human rights. He began participating in protests for civil rights in 1950, including a march in support of integrated schools. In 1956 Belafonte met Martin Luther King Jr. and was impressed by his commitment and sincerity. Using his influence with other entertainers, he encouraged many to perform at concerts to raise funds for civil rights. In 1963 Belafonte used his personal money to bail out workers of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). When Martin Luther King was in the Birmingham jail, it was Belafonte who raised the $50,000 for King’s release and later raised $90,000 when the need arose.

Belafonte worked diligently behind the scenes to raise funds and to serve as an intermediary for the struggle for civil rights. As a skilled mediator, he helped to ease the tension between King and the SNCC, serving as King’s negotiator in many instances. Over the years, he has influenced and supported these causes both in front of and behind the scenes.

Harry Belafonte (Fisk University).

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