Sankofa.org - The Belafonte Legacy Foundation Mourns the Passing of Media Icon, Activist and Father/Founder Harry Belafonte

(New York, NY) - Today, I mourn the loss of my father,  our founder and hero Harry Belafonte. A man who was born to humble beginnings to Jamaican immigrants in Harlem in 1927, throughout his life Mr. B, as he was called by the movement, showed the entire world that artists can do more than just entertain. They can transform the world. 

Whether he was breaking barriers as a young musician, supporting civil rights activists in the 1960s, or convening (and calling-in) the next generation of leaders and artists, Mr. B was unfettered in his commitment to improving the lives of oppressed people across the globe. 

Mr. B’s mentor, the great Paul Robeson, once stated that, “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth.” Few have opened that door to more than our founder and father. He never abandoned the belief that the world could become more just and equitable. 

While today I know his fans, friends and family are saddened by his passing, our family will be forever grateful for his legacy and leadership. He’s left a shining example of what love, community and commitment looks like. 

That’s why me and the team at Sankofa.org - The Belafonte Legacy Foundation are so proud to have been passed the baton, and so appreciative of everything he has given us. We are indebted to his leadership, and are comforted by the fact that he will continue to shape our thoughts and actions as an ancestor. We too will not give up the fight as we honor Mr. Harry Belafonte’s legacy and legend. 

He will be missed. But never forgotten. 

Sending light and love to all,

Gina Belafonte

CEO - Sankofa.org: The Belafonte Legacy Foundation

image c/o Wesley Mann