Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, actor, and civil rights activist who broke barriers in the entertainment industry and became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, to Jamaican immigrants. His mother was a seamstress, and his father worked as a chef in the British Royal Navy. Belafonte spent most of his childhood living in poverty and attended George Washington High School in Manhattan.

After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Belafonte returned to New York City and began his career as a singer. He became known for his smooth baritone voice and his unique style of mixing folk, calypso, and pop music. In 1956, he released his breakthrough album, “Calypso,” which included the hit single “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The album became the first to sell more than one million copies by a single artist.

Belafonte’s success in the music industry allowed him to pursue acting, and he became the first Black actor to win an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie “An Evening with Belafonte” in 1959.
He also starred in several films, including “Carmen Jones” and “Island in the Sun.”

Throughout his career, Belafonte was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 and was a key figure in the civil rights movement. He also used his platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa and raised awareness of the struggles of people in Central America and the Caribbean.

In addition to his activism, Belafonte has also been involved in philanthropy and humanitarian work. He was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Harry Belafonte 21st Century Library Initiative, which seeks to promote cultural and intellectual diversity.

Today, at 96 years old, Belafonte continues to be a revered figure in the entertainment industry and a champion for social justice.