Harry Belafonte (1927–2023)

"In tribute to the work of the American Civil Liberties Union, 16 illustrators offer art for and commentary on pithy statements on human rights that have particularly moved them.

Some of the contributors—notably Sean Qualls for Maya Angelou’s “Still I rise” and Greg Pizzoli for a line from W.E.B. Dubois about the cowardice of those who “dare not know”—have made their chosen quotation a central visual component of the art. Some offer conventional views of people of color on the show more march (Innosanto Nagara, for a quote from Khalil Gibran) or idyllic scenes of giving and cooperation (Alina Chau, Molly Idle). Others opt for more oblique, often provocative responses. Brian Pinkney, for instance, illustrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that” with a racially diverse crowd of smiling faces over an equally diverse crowd of scowling ones; for Dolores Huerta’s reminder that we are all one human race, Raúl the Third depicts a mother and child hugging each other through a tall fence of slats; a collage based on the American flag by Melissa Sweet features phrases from the Constitution and other significant documents in the white stripes and in place of stars, a defiant McCarthy-era manifesto from E.B. White. As further food for thought, the artists all add personal reflections, some relatively lengthy, about what their chosen passage means to them.

A heady mix of visual and verbal inspiration, nearly every page rewarding slow, thoughtful attention. (illustrator bios) (Picture book. 7-10)" From Kirkus Reviews, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

Singer, actor, activist does a great job in his autobiography. I had not been aware that his initial goal was to be an actor and he just drifted into singing by doing a part in a play. The book had some good humor but also details his activism in working with Martin Luther King Jr and others for equal rights. This is the work he should be most remembered for. His support - financially and otherwise - to the King family and various causes in the US and Africa cannot be overstated. I do wish show more he had included a filmography and discography. show less

Never let it be said that Harry Belafonte is a modest man! Certainly this memoir is interesting, but to me, only because of the time period in which he has lived and his participation in the Civil Rights movement. I have always loved Mr. Belafonte's music and have seen him perform in concert. He is an amazing performer and entertainer! However, to hear his version of history he is the unsung hero, the mover and shaker, behind the most powerful figures in the Civil Rights movement. I have no show more doubt that he was deeply involved and committed, but the egocentrism with which he tells his tale is incredibly off putting. Lord knows what would have happened if he hadn't been there to influence Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy! Love the music, but not impressed with the man. Diappointed! show less

This is a review with plenty of substance not like a lot of celebrity autobiographies. It is also a very honest appraisal of not only Mr. Belafonte himself but also his wives, children, and friends and associates in the entertainment industry and the Civil Rights movement. You will learn much about all.. The book is easy to read and will impress you with the vast array of Mr. Belafonte's life experiences. The only people who might struggle with the book are those who deal with his left wing show more politics which he makes no bones about. show less