Renowned singer and songwriter Harry Belafonte participated in a discussion with History Prof. Julian Bond yesterday evening at The Paramount Theater as part of the University's celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Belafonte worked as a singer, actor and producer throughout his career, as well as a civil rights activist and human rights advocate. His third album was the first recording to sell more than a million copies, and he was named cultural adviser to the Peace Corps in 1960.
Belafonte worked throughout his arts career to promote equality and provided funding to King, as well as other important civil rights leaders. He also became a member of King's inner circle.
"What really captured my attention [about King] was a remarkable display of humility, in his evaluations, in his assessments, in the way in which he spoke of those who were our oppressors, of those who were actively engaged in the problems of our society," Belafonte said.
He also worked with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, a major civil rights activist organization, helping to bridge communication between the organization and King.
"I had to do a lot of translating and prodding" to make sure "unity was our most powerful weapon," Belafonte said.
Bond, who interviewed Belafonte last night, was the founder of the SNCC and later served as the chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1998 to 2010.
Despite the civil rights organizations' numerous achievements, the black community still faces problems today because "we were wholly unprepared for what would come at the moment we achieved the goals we set for ourselves," Belafonte said.
After their right to vote was legally affirmed with the help of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many blacks struggled to effectively harness their right to choose representatives.
"When you've had nothing all of your existence and all of a sudden you're given a feast, it's very hard to pick the kind of diet you should be mindful of while you're busy enjoying the feast," Belafonte said.
The prominent activist also commented on problems in society today.
"[We need to be] relieved of this perpetual obligation that society has to make America the richest nation on the face of the earth," Belafonte said. "There has to be a much bigger call for what we as a nation can do."
He said he hopes new communities will move toward greater equality.
"I think we're now beginning to get a sense of recuperating from [corporate greed and power]," Belafonte said. "I think when you see at least what I've seen - trust me; I come from a place strong in historical wisdom in this matter - ... [you recognize] that Occupy Wall Street is not a passing fancy."
Rita Dove, a University English professor and former U.S. poet laureate, introduced Belafonte and Bond. Their discussion was preceded by a screening of the documentary "Sing Your Song," a film about Belafonte's life.
Bond mentioned that Belafonte contributed financially to the University's goal of establishing the Bond Chair for Civil Rights History, along with former president Bill Clinton and musician Dave Matthews.
The event was sponsored by the University's Office for Diversity & Equality as well as the Virginia Film Festival and the Festival of the Book.
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