News

Works in Progress

Here are a few things we have to look forward to:

There are currently two books in the works
- The first, by Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, is titled Daylight Come: Harry Belafonte and the World He Made. It will be released on August 4, 2026, and can be pre-ordered here
- The second is currently being written - so a few years out yet. More info to follow!
There is a Musical
- Ken Davenport secured the rights to portray Mr. B's life in a musical. There's no firm deadline - it's a work in progress.

Harlem pays tribute: 135th Street to be renamed in honor of Harry Belafonte

Update: I had posted here that I had seen two petitions asking for names - but neither lasted long. It turns out, more than enough names were gathered... Date of the new sign installation yet to be determined.

"A portion of 135th Street in Harlem will soon be renamed in honor of civil rights activist Harry Belafonte.The renaming honors Belafonte’s deep connection to Harlem, where his work both on and off the screen continues to inspire new generations to come. "

August 14, 2025 - AMNY.com - Harlem pays tribute: 135th Street to be renamed in honor of Harry Belafonte

Sunday Best

Sunday Best is a new documentary (premiered July 21, 2025) on Netflix that "examines the groundbreaking career of pioneering television host Ed Sullivan, focusing on his platforming of Black musicians during the civil rights era."(imbd)

Now more than ever, we need reminders that music, art, and solidarity can heal and transform us. Sunday Best renewed my faith as an artist that hope and change are not just possible; they are attainable. We need to believe that we can, especially now.
from Documentary Review: Netflix’s Sunday Best: Ed Sullivan’s Bold Stand for Black Brilliance and Civil Rights

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan is an engrossing film that shines a light on an important part of our history and also reveals a deeper side to a celebrated television icon. from “Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan”

African Voices

Originally slated for Summer/Fall 2025, the Fall/Winter edition of African Voices is out.

It is a "Harry Belafonte Tribute Issue" - honoring the art and activism of Harry Belafonte - guest edited by poet/author/artist Keisha-Gaye Anderson.

There are some stories, some poems, some artwork - and some filler which (to me) seemed to have nothing to to with Mr. B.

City Buzz: African Voices Magazine Honors Harry Belafonte’s Legacy with Special Issue and Exhibition

You can order a copy of the magazine here

Following Harry

This is the second in a series of three films (?) - the first, My Song, was an autobiographical look at Mr. B. This one follows him as he lays the grounds for his humanitarian work to continue. Footage was shot and the film was in post-production at the time of Mr. B's death.

Following Harry premiered at the Trifecta Film Festival in June of 2024. It has made appearances at some film festivals since - but if you are not near those hubs, it may take a while to get to.

Watch the official trailer here

Visit the film's web page for Upcoming Events, or sign up for more information here

SO WORH IT: Amazing conversation with key members of the Following Harry film, including film maker Susanne Rostock, actor and humanitarian Jesse Williams, and President and CEO of The Gathering For Justice, Carmen Perez-Jordan

A Review - Culture Mix

CNN movie follow-up: How Harry Belafonte's legacy is inspiring a younger generation - video with Carmen Perez-Jordan and Aloe Blaac

A film review from Next Best Picture

~ Older News ~

A Legacy Remembered - up for auction.

March, 2025 - I know I'm not the only one who had a hard time processing my gut reaction about this concept - almost 400 artifacts from Mr. B's life, up for sale to the highest bidder. Awards, artwork, personal notes, musical instruments, shoes, ties, etc.

I chose to believe that offering these things to the public was a way of sharing a bit of Mr. B. with the rest of the world - and I am happy to say, that that was confirmed to me. People all over the world now own a little piece of Mr. B. ~ Kind of a nice thought!

The auction is over, but the site is worth a visit - a deep-dive into a fascinating history.

Harry Belafonte - A Man of Action

I totally missed this, but there was a part II:

2025 Best Song for Social Change Award

January 2025 - "The Recording Academy has selected the powerful anthem for unity, “Deliver”—written by Iman Jordan (performer), Roy Gartrell, Tam Jones, and Ariel Loh—as the recipient of its Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award this year."

Link to Deliver

July 2024 - The Recording Academy renamed its two-year-old Best Song for Social Change Special Merit Award in honour of the late Harry Belafonte, who was a powerful voice for social justice throughout his career, to Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award. From Billboard

Perhaps a Grammy response to "The Grammy Snub" - where Shari and Gina Belafonte both took to social media rightfully criticizing the lack of tribute to their dad at the 2024 Grammys?

The Grammy Snub

"My father's music touched so many lives, and his humanitarian efforts changed the world. His memory deserves to be honored with the same passion and dedication that he brought to his life's work." - ~ Shari Belafonte

As my friend Albert wrote: "Bless Shari for putting the sheer magnitude of this colossal snub in full perspective."

February, 2024

Grammys Criticism Arises As Harry Belafonte's Family Speaks Out

Harry Belafonte’s Daughters Criticize Grammys for Not Doing More to Recognize Singer During Ceremony

...a celebration.