In honor of Black History Month.
Harry Belafonte once remarked that Paul Robeson was his mentor. Robeson, 1898-1976, was an athlete, scholar, attorney, concert performer, actor and social justice activist. He strongly supported the labor unions and wanted peace with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and he was actively opposed to racial prejudice in the United States and in colonial Africa.
Harry Belafonte (b. 1927) is a singer and actor who has had a significant impact on humanitarian causes. From the 1950s he was active in the Civil Rights Movement and refused to perform in the South from 1954 until 1961. He financed the Freedom Rides, supported voter registration drives, and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963. And that was just the beginning. Belafonte's entire career has been dedicated to the freedom and welfare of others.
The following video features Harry Belafonte narrating the "outrage that was Peekskill."
This is a lengthy but fascinating interview with Robeson's son.
This Son of the South knows that only Paul Robeson could stand on the Showboat and tell the tale of Ole man River, and how he just keeps on a' rollin'.
ReplyDeleteHe was not afraid of dyin'.
I actually saw the movie "Showboat" when I was a very little girl. Kathryn Grayson, who died just a couple of weeks ago, starred in it. And I'm not at all sure of my spelling here.
ReplyDeleteIn my home town of Princeton NJ, there is a street named in his honor: Paul Robeson Place (two blocks behind Nassau Square). What an amazing man, I always felt proud that Princeton named a street in tribute to him.
ReplyDeletegreat post Leslie. I wonder what ever happened to Harrys daughter, was her name Shari? I liked her.
ReplyDeleteOcto, you live in NJ? I'm in Salem County!
I didn't know you had followers installed! Where have I been?
ReplyDeleteSue: Shari was born when he was married to his first wife. She is an actress, photographer, model, singer and is married to Sam Behrens. Let's see now. That took about 3 minutes. My usual fee is $185 per hour, so you'll have to figure it out because it's too complicated for me! Luv, mom. : )
ReplyDeleteOcto: In the video of his son's interview, there is a scene where the announcer is standing in front of a building named after Robeson. I have such tremendous respect for both these men - their talents and active humanitarianism.
Hi Tnlib. My first 45 was by Belafonte.
ReplyDeleteI'm rushing through to let you know that I've moved Politics Plus to http://www.politicsplus.org/blog
You're in the new blogroll there. Would you please update me in yours?
I used to see Shari on TV alot but it's been years. You are a walking encyclopedia! Lets see, who else haven't I seen in years...I wonder what Davy Jones and the rest of those Monkees are doing??
ReplyDeleteTC: I had already switched.
ReplyDeleteSue: Google a persons name with "bibliography."
Yikes! I meant "biography."
ReplyDeleteRobeson came in for attacks from the usual sources in the McCarthy era. He was robbed of his career.
ReplyDeleteYes he was. He wasn't really a Communist - just didn't want this country to go to war with Russia.
ReplyDeleteBelafonte was also blacklisted.