On Tuesday, singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte died at the age of 96 in New York. His life and work was remembered by international leaders who highlighted his historical role in the struggle of the peoples.
“On April 25, the world said goodbye to musician, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte, a defender of just causes in the United States. Venezuela will always remember him as a great friend. Our condolences to his friends and relatives,” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro tweeted.
“With the painful departure of Harry Belafonte, the United States and the world lose an extraordinary artist and human being. The people of Cuba say goodbye to their supportive and unforgettable friend. Our deepest condolences go out to family and friends,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said.
“He was a close friend of Fidel Castro and of Cuba… he was a great U.S. artist and activist who stood up for justice like a true revolutionary,” the Cuban leader added.
“United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and everyone at the world body extended their deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans, and countless admirers of Belafonte,” said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesman.
Harry Belafonte, who died today at 96, explained to 60 Minutes in 1997 that he had a close relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because they both walked a tightrope – appealing to different audiences. “The tightrope has now become a way of life,” he told Ed Bradley. pic.twitter.com/D6ofADQoMF
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 25, 2023
“Beyond touching millions with his inimitable charm and charisma in music, film, and theater, Mr. Belafonte devoted his life fighting for human rights and against injustice in all its forms,” he added.
He was a fearless campaigner for civil rights and a powerful voice in the struggle against apartheid, the fight against AIDS, and the quest to eradicate poverty.
Belafonte was appointed a goodwill ambassador of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1987, and over the decades set new standards for public advocacy on behalf of the world’s children.
“With unrelenting dedication and boundless generosity, he engaged presidents, parliamentarians, and civil society to champion UNICEF’s cause… At this moment of sorrow, let us be inspired by his example and strive to defend the dignity and rights of every human being, everywhere,” Dujarric stressed.
civil rights champion Harry Belafonte. Thank you King for the sacrifice. Rest in power king.pic.twitter.com/FN8yoMyaiX
— Black diaspora Voice. (@BlackdiasporaV1) April 25, 2023
Apart from humanitarian activism, Belafonte supported the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s and was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s confidants. Belafonte was also a longtime critic of the U.S. foreign policy.
On Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his “deep sadness” over the death of Belafonte, whom he recalled for his fight against the apartheid segregationist system (1948-1994).
“Harry Belafonte holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans and many around the world for his extraordinary talent and warmth of personality, but also for his stand against apartheid at the height of his international career,” Ramaphosa said.
“He was instrumental in sustaining the United Nations-led cultural boycott against apartheid in South Africa…he worked closely with South African artists, including Miriam Makeba, to ensure that South Africa’s struggle against apartheid continued to be the center of attention and the international agenda,” he added.
Martin Luther King Jr. was much more radical than they would want you to believe… #MLKDay. https://t.co/CEaS5cLJwT pic.twitter.com/Uvj6AfYZQr
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) January 18, 2016