REV. AL SHARPTON MOURNS THE PASSING OF SINGER AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST HARRY BELAFONTE

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Apr 25, 2023

New York, NY (April 25, 2023) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), today issued the following statement on the passing of Harry Belafonte, who was 96. The Harlem-born singer used his platform to fight for social justice at the height of the civil rights movement and became a leader for other activists.

“Harry Belafonte was a true mentor and friend. I am heartbroken to hear of his death but inspired by the long, fruitful life he led. He realized his platform gave him the ability to affect change. He used it to advance the civil rights movement and get others in his position off the sidelines. I cherished the time he would give me and others to both guide and correct us. He was a culture-changing entertainer, a history-changing activist, and an unmatchable intellectual. Rest in peace and power, Mr. B.”

About National Action Network (NAN)

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.

For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

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