In the News
A Legacy Remembered - up for auction.
I know I'm not the only one who had a hard time processing my gut reaction about this concept - almost 400 artifacts from Mr. B's life, up for sale to the highest bidder. Awards, artwork, personal notes, musical instruments, shoes, ties, etc.
I have chosen to believe that offering these things to the public was a way of sharing a bit of Mr. B. with the rest of the world.
The auction is over, but the site is worth a visit - a deep-dive into a fascinating history.
Following Harry
This is the second in a series of three films (?) - the first, My Song, was an autobiographical look at Mr. B. This one follows him as he lays the grounds for his humanitarian work to continue. Footage was shot and the film was in post-production at the time of Mr. B's death.
Following Harry premiered at the Trifecta Film Festival in June of 2024. It has made appearances at some film festivals since - but if you are not near those hubs, it may take a while to get to.
Watch the official trailer here
Visit the film's web page for Upcoming Events, or sign up for more information here
SO WORH IT: Amazing conversation with key members of the Following Harry film, including film maker Susanne Rostock, actor and humanitarian Jesse Williams, and President and CEO of The Gathering For Justice, Carmen Perez-Jordan
A Review - Culture Mix
CNN movie follow-up: How Harry Belafonte's legacy is inspiring a younger generation - video with Carmen Perez-Jordan and Aloe Blaac
2025 Best Song for Social Change Award
January 2025 - "The Recording Academy has selected the powerful anthem for unity, “Deliver”—written by Iman Jordan (performer), Roy Gartrell, Tam Jones, and Ariel Loh—as the recipient of its Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award this year."
July 2024 - The Recording Academy renamed its two-year-old Best Song for Social Change Special Merit Award in honour of the late Harry Belafonte, who was a powerful voice for social justice throughout his career, to Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award. From Billboard
Perhaps a Grammy response to "The Grammy Snub" - where Shari and Gina Belafonte both took to social media rightfully criticizing the lack of tribute to their dad at the 2024 Grammys?
The Grammy Snub
"My father's music touched so many lives, and his humanitarian efforts changed the world. His memory deserves to be honored with the same passion and dedication that he brought to his life's work." - ~ Shari Belafonte
As my friend Albert wrote: "Bless Shari for putting the sheer magnitude of this colossal snub in full perspective."
February, 2024
Grammys Criticism Arises As Harry Belafonte's Family Speaks Out
Harry Belafonte’s Daughters Criticize Grammys for Not Doing More to Recognize Singer During Ceremony
Celebration of Life
The Belafonte family held a “Celebration of Life” event on March 1, 2024, which would have been Mr. B's 97th birthday, at Riverside Church in New York City.
It was said that the celebration was in lieu of an official funeral service according to Mr. B.'s wishes.
Performers during the three-hour ceremony included (but were not limited to!) Sweet Honey in the Rock, Aloe Blacc with the Harlem Choir, Wynton Marsalas, and grandchildren Sarafina and Amadeus, who sang Try to Remember. Richard Cummings who toured with Mr. B. for many years, and was key to the production of the Paradise in Gazankulu album was on the piano. Aja Monet delivered a powerful and touching poem.
Spoken tributes came from all of Mr. B's children and grandchildren, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Kenneth Cole, rapper Chuck D... so many more...
TAKE-AWAYS: the family is working on something even bigger for Mr. B's 100th anniversary, and Shari Belafonte is starting "a new media organization in honour of Harry Belafonte."