Cultural activist Harry Belafonte died on April 25, 2023 at age 96.
Since then, Jamaica announced several honorarium to commemorate the icon with the erection of a state of the art performing arts center in the parish of St. James; and the naming of a portion of the North Coast highway (which passes through the parish of St. Ann where the icon spent some of his youth and where his mother Melvine Love was born in the rural district of Aboukar, St. Ann).
And while some may argue the precise location of Belafonte’s birthplace, conflict may end knowing that his lifelong association with his mother’s Caribbean island; his high school years attending Wolmer’s in Kingston, Jamaica and the fact he was presented the island’s national honor of Order of Merit in 2018 resulted from love, privilege and opportunity because the “Jamaica Farewell” lyricist was actually born in Harlem on March 1, 1927.
Despite, the international claim from fame, the hamlet has always acknowledged Harold George Bellanfanti as the Village griot, the achiever, the actor, the sex symbol, the political activist, the Civil Rights advocate, the shining star, the Pan-African proponent, the singer, the cultural ambassador, the mediator, the multiplayer as well as entitled citizen.
In fact one could attest the uptown mecca has always been “wild about Harry.”
Allegedly, Belafonte’s name was converted from the one he was given by his Martinique-born father.
Back then the practice was to adopt an easy moniker, one with the least amount of reasons to cause confusion.
Belinfanti must have seemed an encumberance to aspirations he envisioned working in the theater.
But who doesn’t like a Harry?
Afterall, it’s a princely title.
And either identifier — surname or first — certainly imprints the achieving personality to champion theater, film, music, theater and every genre in the realms of entertainment.
Perhaps that is why a petition has been initiated to co-name 135th St. (between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvds.) with one to honor Harry Belafonte.
Harlem Arts Alliance has partnered with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and Community Planning Board 10 to memorialize the ancestor who died two years ago.
Collaborators are now soliciting signatures for the cause.
By electronically endorsing the initiative at the web portals associated with the petitioners, the thoroughfare will permanently provide a permanent and visible testament to an unrivaled legacy of service to humanity and global village.
A library at 115th St. in Harlem now brandishes the name Harry Belafonte at its entrance.
May marks Haitian Heritage Month — Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo
Little Haiti in the designated Little Caribbean area of Brooklyn will be larger than life with revelry on May 10 when revelers celebrate pride, heritage and culture of the Caribbean’s most populous French nation.
On that date a Haitian Heritage Day Parade is expected to unite diasporans for a show of solidarity and pride.
Beginning at 11 a.m. kickoff, from Church and Nostrand avenues. the historic landmark region will ignite in celebration of a nation by delivering a melange of fun and adventure mixed with food, creole music and history. The event is the first of many slated for the month.
A calendar listing of May 18 activities is expected to boost Haitian flag day festivities.
For more information log in to Lohnyc.org
Don’t forget to maximize the multi-cultural merits of May. May 1 yields to maypole merriment for children to rally. Mexicans are foremost to rejoice their victory over the French on May 5, which translates to Cinco de Mayo. With numerous cultural activities to mark the month, Memorial Day at the end traditionally opens boardwalks and beaches to throngs of sun worshippers
Catch You On The Inside!
