Exclusive Interview: Harry Belafonte, Discusses Social Justice, Voting Rights and Gathering for Justice

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Last August, I had the opportunity to interview Harry Belafonte and Carmen Perez-Jordan as part of the press run for Yoruba Richen’s The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show.

The documentary looked at Belafonte’s 1968 historic week-long hosting of The Tonight Show. By then, Johnny Carson had turned the late-night TV world on its ear by becoming one of the most powerful communication platforms. In an unprecedented move, Belafonte took a PWI and transformed it into a multicultural and political experience.

Fifteen of his 25 guests were Black, beautiful, and proud, including the late Sidney Poitier, iconic singer Lena Horne, and civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Belafonte turned what felt like Middle America on the airwaves for many people across the country into a challenging, dynamically entertaining conversation about itself and its divisiveness when dealing with the then-issues of the day.

Belafonte has been in and out of the media in recent years, but he and CEO Carmen Perez-Jordan continue to advocate for many of today’s critical civil rights issues. Both have leveraged — if not sacrificed — plenty to end and address mass incarceration, gender equity, violence prevention, racial healing, and community policing.

On what marks the 39th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day being signed into a federal holiday, Americans are still dealing with some of the exact needs today as they did in 1968. During the conversation with Perez-Jordan and Mr. Belafonte we address some of those issues as well as the importance of speaking your truth.

BET.com: What are your thoughts on the current iteration of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act? If or when it passes, how do you see this positively impacting those discriminatory laws that have been passed in Georgia and Texas?

Carmen Perez: We need federal intervention to protect our right to vote. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is necessary and incredibly important because it addresses the fundamental enforcement of voting rights, which conservative justices on the Supreme Court have recently struck down.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act successfully defended the right to vote for Black Americans who were being disenfranchised in the South. The idea that we should repeal something because it was successful defies common sense. The organized effort to deny Black and brown Americans the right to vote is the historical tactic Republicans have used to win elections and defeat progressive reforms.

BET.com: There’s a new generation of young Black men and women who are excitedly using social media to teach snackable Black history lessons to the masses. Are there any words of wisdom you can offer them as they continue to grow to ensure our stories don’t fade away?

Harry Belafonte: As a singer and an activist, I found this to be true: You can cage the singer, but you cannot cage the song. This is a very potent philosophy. The impact of art is irreversible, and I think it’s the same when young people learn their true history. You can ban the lesson plan — and across the country, we see that they are doing just that — but you can’t stop the impact of that knowledge from taking root in the minds of young people. Those who are teaching Black history in ways that reach our young people and the masses are doing critically important work.

BET.com: Earlier this year, we all gathered to celebrate Mr. Belafonte and his continued fight for equality and justice. What were some standout moments that reflect Mr. Belafonte’s legacy that will be cherished by The Gathering for Justice?

Carmen Perez: It was truly a special occasion celebrating the legacy of Mr. Belafonte and the contributions he’s made throughout his lifetime on his 94th birthday. It was beautiful. So many poured their love back into him, not only people in his generation but the young generations that revere him as well.

From Oprah and Jay-Z to Charlamagne [tha God] and Lin Manuel Miranda to movement leaders like Danny Glover, Angela Davis, and Gus Newport — we are incredibly thankful that we can give Mr. Belafonte his flowers while he is here, and continue his legacy through the work we do at The Gathering for Justice.

Mr. Belafonte and his wife, Pam, were truly touched and filled with gratitude!

BET.com: We have continued to lose individuals during encounters with the police, but there’s also been little-to-no reform to systems and practices.

What are your thoughts, Carmen, about the statements made in the wake of Ma’khia Bryant’s death? How does everyone at The Gathering for Justice decompress after speaking out against the continued injustices?

Carmen Perez: While we understand that Black and brown women who are killed at the hands of police don’t receive the same national attention and support, The Gathering for Justice believes in balancing the need to share these stories with the importance of giving people action steps to take.

We are aware that their family members, and others who were close to them, need support to raise awareness about their loved ones. And so as we cultivate the next generation of leadership, The Gathering for Justice feels it’s important to include family members and directly-impacted people in that leadership development.

Our two state-based task forces, Justice League NYC and Justice League CA, are dedicated to raising awareness and working on policy change, mass mobilization, and civil disobedience that supports these families.

BET.com: Questlove’s Summer of Soul gave Black America a heavy dose of nostalgia. Now, with Melissa Haizlip’s Mr. Soul ready to return to screens and honor the legacy of her father, Mr. Belafonte, are there any memorable moments you can recall when you were a guest on his show?

Harry Belafonte: Ellis Haizlip was an essential pioneer in media, and I was proud to participate in Mr. Soul. The original show featured his political commitment to Black culture and paved the way with dialogue and content that enabled people to do things they otherwise would not have done at that time. Ellis was an eloquent host, and he made it an easy task for the people he interviewed.

BET.com: Both young and established audiences had the pleasure of seeing you in Showtime’s The One and Only Dick Gregory. You both utilized your respective places in the entertainment industry to make clear and strong statements about race relations in America. What were conversations like between you two? Did any of them end up as executable plans in the fight to gain equity and equality for Black people?

Harry Belafonte: Certainly, Dick Gregory was one of the 1963 March on Washington organizers. We called on other celebrities and got them involved as well. We both had a thorough understanding that, since anything you say as an entertainer can be repeated, it’s important to take the risk to say what you believe… even if it costs you. At least you spoke the truth. He was a great friend and a courageous man, never afraid to bring the race issue into the conversation.

BET.com: Not too many people knew that you were one of the few substitute hosts for Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show in 1968. The Sit-In delves into the array of guests and messages you presented during your week-long stint at the desk. From Diahann Carroll to Aretha Franklin to having Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on as guests — what was the impact of that hosting gig like for you?

Harry Belafonte: I was eternally grateful to Johnny Carson. The network didn’t want to allow it to go down, and Johnny intervened to make sure it happened. He was very supportive, and it was a positive experience. It was certainly a first for the time period, and the response from the American people was overwhelmingly positive.

BET.com: There are continued, substantial efforts to redirect President Joe Biden’s attention to criminal justice reform. What is The Gathering for Justice’s position on how to keep the pressure on him and his administration to push for change?

Carmen Perez: Grounded in the ideology of Dr. King, one of the Six Principles of Nonviolence we observe is: “Attack the forces of evil, not people doing evil.” Understanding this enables us to comprehend that it’s bigger than this administration, and we need to overhaul the whole government. Like a young John Lewis said when he spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, “Where is the political party that will make it unnecessary for us to march in the streets?”

At The Gathering for Justice, we believe in building coalitions that expand beyond traditional lines. It’s how we were able to bring on 500 partners to the 2017 Women’s March on Washington or 50 partners in one weekend to free Pedro Hernandez, the Bronx teenager who was wrongly imprisoned.

Working together in solidarity enables us to get what our communities need and deserve. We will continue to organize, show up, and continue to lift our voice in solidarity until this administration and Congress pay attention.

BET.com: What would be your suggestion to others,who desire to pick up the baton that Mr. Belafonte passed along to this generation?

Carmen Perez: There’s not enough that I could say about this magnificent human being who has blessed me as my mentor for the past 16 years. He’s taught me so much through his stories. He has told me about when he and Eleanor Roosevelt worked together to commission the program that brought students from Africa to U.S. colleges, including a young Barack Obama, Sr.

As we carry on the tradition of our elders, we must pass the baton on to the youth. Mr. B shared his role of being a “fireman,” words he was told in a conversation with Dr. King. I feel that my role is to be a bridge-builder between the youth and the elders, as well as being a gardener, to continue to plant the seeds of movement and water them as they grow. Mr. Belafonte says, “The seeds of our past become the fruits of our future.”

Throughout it all, he has continually emphasized the importance of being laser-focused on building the movement for liberation, of not letting anything else get in your way. Picking up that baton doesn’t require the fame or money that he had through his music career — it just requires the commitment, patience and faith to stay the course and continue to organize, strategize and win victories.

Support The Gathering for Justice and its work by donating, taking action, and sharing community resources.

The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show is available to stream now on Peacock.

This interview was originally conducted on Aug. 31, 2021, and has been edited and condensed for clarity.

John Legend, Lenny Kravitz & More to Take Part in Harry Belafonte’s 95th Birthday Benefit at The Town Hall

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A star-studded line-up will celebrate the 95th birthday of legendary singer, songwriter, activist, and actor Harry Belafonte. The benefit evening (HB95) will also present the inaugural Harry Belafonte Social Justice Awards in honor of the 10th anniversary of Sankofa.org, the social justice organization Mr. Belafonte co-founded.

HB95 will be held on March 1, 2022 at The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd Street) at 7:00 PM ET.

The evening will include musical performances, video tributes, and testimonials by civil rights and racial justice leaders, elected officials, musicians, actors, and more. Aloe Blacc, John Legend, The Belafonte Alumni Band, Laurence Fishburne, Doug E Fresh, Danny Glover, Amy Goodman, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Moore, Q-Tip, Tim Robbins, Rev. Al Sharpton, Bryan Stevenson, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Jesse Williams, and Alfre Woodward, are among the confirmed participants.

This year’s inaugural Harry Belafonte Social Justice Awards were created to acknowledge the vast reach of Mr. Belafonte’s contribution to social justice and American history. For their unwavering commitment to justice, award recipients include Angela Davis, Rashad Robinson, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Dr. Cornel West, Darren Walker, Hank Willis Thomas, former Attorney General Eric Holder and Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

In addition to live performances, Mr. Belafonte’s memorable film, television, and humanitarian career will be showcased through archive footage along with testimonials from some of today’s most popular and celebrated artists, activists, and entertainers.

Proceeds from this evening will benefit Sankofa.org and several of its programs including an innovative virtual/alternative reality technology and arts reentry program created to impact the capacity of returning citizens to develop critical core skills for a sustainable successful transition back to the community. This scientifically validated art-based program with virtual reality has been used to create breakthrough treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is showing promise in the treatment of many other mental health conditions.

Harry Belafonte said, “I am honored that so many are coming together to celebrate my birthday, life, and legacy. I founded Sankofa.org alongside my daughter Gina and Raoul Roach to create additional space for artists and allies to collaborate to garner an artistic approach to the needs of our disenfranchised communities… to use art as a tool to educate messages of hope and to encourage and energize the public to become engaged. One heart, One mind, One soul.”

“It is an honor for us to host Harry Belafonte’s 95th birthday as part of our Centennial Season,” said The Town Hall’s Artistic Director Melay Araya. “Like his mentors Paul Robeson and Langston Hughes, and his contemporaries Coretta Scott King and Fannie Lou Hamer, Mr. Belafonte has taken to our stage several times over the last 70 years in support of the movements that he participated in and led. It is our hope that celebrating his life and work will inspire those in attendance to use their talents in service of others.”

Gina Belafonte, Sankofa.org Executive Director stated, “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth, civilization’s radical voice. Without art we have nothing. Sankofa.org uses the arts as a tool to engage people to action. We are so excited to honor my father on his 95th birthday and celebrate his legacy.”

“We are happy to celebrate this milestone birthday of the iconic Harry Belafonte. As a legendary artist and activist, he is an inspiration to us all. It is also beautiful to see Gina carry on the important work of Sankofa.org to positively impact future generations,” said Bridgid and Don Cheadle about the occasion.

Actress and activist Alfre Woodard said, “HB95 is the celebration of Harry Belafonte’s bold, insistent, joyous stride towards Justice. Sankofa.org is the vehicle he’s given the generations to continue that journey forward. There goes the roof!”

While this is its first public fundraising event, Sankofa.org has created and produced innovative and cutting-edge programs for the past decade. The organization is committed to rooting out systemic violence, work tirelessly for the adoption of restorative justice initiatives, and champion meaningful reforms for immigration and a livable minimum wage.

Tickets, ranging from $47.50 to $125 are available by visiting: www.TheTownHall.org.

Town Hall is committed to providing healthy and safe facilities for audiences, performers, and staff. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of performance, protocols may include mask enforcement, increased cleaning and ventilation/filtration enhancements, vaccination or negative test verification, and more. These are subject to change. Ticket holders who do not comply with venue policies will not be admitted.

Harry Belafonte in Germany, 1988

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Buy Photo (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Frankfurt, Germany, September 1988: Musician and activist Harry Belafonte is interviewed at the Hotel Frankfurter Hof during an extensive tour of Europe in which he performed in over 20 cities. Belafonte’s tour was in support of Paradise in Gazankulu, his first album in 15 years, which spotlighted South African music and musicians.

WATCH: Vice President Harris delivers remarks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, honored the work and memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service.

Watch Harris’ remarks in the player above.

Harris and Emhoff volunteered Monday at Martha’s Table, a Washington, D.C.-based food pantry and community service organization, bagging fruits and groceries.

This holiday marks what would have been the 93rd birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 15, who was just 39 when he was assassinated in 1968 while helping sanitation workers strike for better pay and workplace safety in Memphis, Tennessee.

Asked by reporters while she was placing food in bags about the status of voting rights legislation after it effectively stalled in the Senate last week, Harris vowed to “keep working on it.”

HARRY BELAFONTE: To realize Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, white America needs to change course

“We’re not going to give up. You’ve heard me say that before and I mean it. This is too important,” Harris said. “This is literally about the future of our country in terms of this democracy, and we have to remain deeply committed to getting this done and seeing it through,” she said.

The two voting rights bills before the Senate hit a major roadblock last week when Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona refused to vote for a change in Senate rules to make the legislation possible.

Sinema said on the Senate floor that while she supports the voting rights measures, she would not alter filibuster rules to allow the bills to move forward.

Without any Republican support, the bills require a change in Senate rules to pass by simple majority.

Harris said despite the Senate obstacle, the White House would keep working to find a way to pass the legislation.

“I’m not going to absolve, nor should any of us, absolve any member of the United States Senate from taking on a responsibility to follow through on the oath that they all took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” she said.

A ‘DREAM’ REMEMBERED

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