Breaking News: Harry Belafonte, the barrier-breaking singer, actor and activist who became a major force in the civil rights movement, has died at 96. https://t.co/LTpfanpUDq pic.twitter.com/7aUl89rLzA
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 25, 2023
RIP Harry Belafonte
When it comes to someone passing away at 96, you can only appreciate that they have been given the gift of life for that long. And, Belafonte did some work for not only himself, but, the world during that time.
RIP.
I appreciate it when our Elders actually get to become Elders, because we have lost so many far too young.
RIP, Mr. Belafonte.
Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.
Harry Belafonte was one of our nation's most powerful voices for change. America has lost a giant. Doug and I are praying for his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/A5QSEheKkk
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 25, 2023
When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 25, 2023
In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings.
Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College.
I won’t forget…Rest well, sir. pic.twitter.com/31OC1Ajc0V
I’m not sure I’ve seen as many expressions of love and respect on Twitter as I’ve seen today for the legendary Harry Belafonte. Speaks volumes of what kind of man he was and the exemplary life that he lived. https://t.co/pedPM5sDeI
— Kenny BooYah! 🖖🏾 (@KwikWarren) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte spent 96 years breaking down barriers, bridging divides, and standing up for what he believed. His art and activism changed America and the world forever. I’ll always be honored to have known him. pic.twitter.com/xQuOhdk2MH
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 25, 2023
The beauty. The integrity. The “shining Black manhood.” We are so blessed to have seen the talent and leadership of #SidneyPoitier and #HarryBelafonte. https://t.co/rh2GW3OQHQ
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@SIfill_) April 25, 2023
Watch Harry Belafonte commercial with JFK for President, 1960 (1 min.):https://t.co/VcP7JFifhr pic.twitter.com/3yidLpBVff
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) April 25, 2023
Mr. Belafonte and I were working on a film together called “White Mans Burden”. I was pregnant with my daughter and he claimed her as his Godchild❤️ pic.twitter.com/4GRAVT8Tyh
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) April 25, 2023
After dad was assassinated, Harry Belafonte joined me, mom, and my siblings in Memphis. He was one of the only people to make sure that mom and her children were taken care of in the months, days, and years after the assassination. He was there for us even when others had gone.
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) April 25, 2023
"When I was born, I was colored. I soon became a Negro. Not long after that I was black. Most recently I was African-American. It seems we're on a roll here. But I am still first and foremost in search of freedom."
— Tibor M. Kalman (@kalmantibs) April 25, 2023
May you Rest in Peace, Harry Belafonte, 1927-2023.
💔🕊️🕯️ pic.twitter.com/NYEScSCNt6
I know they havin' a TIME in Glory on today.
— Naima Cochrane (@naima) April 25, 2023
Mr. Belafonte's transition officially closes an era of Black Hollywood and activism.
Thinking of Gina and the family today, but also celebrating the work and legacy of 96 years. May he rest in power, indeed. pic.twitter.com/ZIt5XyJsRU
Harry Belafonte epitomized what the role of an artist should be. The voice that brings together the community to engage each other in the exercise of self determination, the declaration of that society’s values, and in doing that inspire the society to action. A man of conviction pic.twitter.com/sz0mdjr2TI
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) April 25, 2023
Today we honor and remember the life of our friend, Harry Belafonte. Take a moment with us to reflect and honor his legacy and enjoy this Sesame Street classic. pic.twitter.com/MwLJDc4kt5
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) April 25, 2023
I’m heartbroken at hearing of the death of Harry Belafonte, a true mentor & friend. I cherished the time he would give me & others to guide us & correct us. He was a history changing activist, a culture changing entertainer, & an unmatched intellectual. RIP & Power, Mr. B✊🏾❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/nSsHz4sHxb
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 25, 2023
"I love being Black and discovering all the things that Black was about and tried desperately to make sure I portrayed that aspect of our being with dignity."
— Legal Defense Fund (@NAACP_LDF) April 25, 2023
– Harry Belafonte, 2019 pic.twitter.com/p3mZJ8ssOI
RIP to my dear brother-in-arms, Harry Belafonte. From our time coming up, struggling to make it in NY in the 50’s with our brother Sidney Poitier, to our work on “We Are The World” & everything in between, you were the standard bearer for what it meant to be an artist/activist.
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) April 25, 2023
The world lost an incredible soul today.
— Calés McGinnis ✨ (@CalesMcGinnis) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte is known for many things but his work as an activist for civil rights was truly remarkable.
His words here in 1963 were just as true then as they are in 2023.
Rest In Power, Mr. Belafonte
pic.twitter.com/DVW82OwGht
RIP, Mr. Belafonte.
And, thank you.