From Biden to fellow singers to rights activists: Tributes pour in for Harry Belafonte

In this file photo taken on Oct. 11, 2011, US singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte poses in Washington, DC. Belafonte, the superstar entertainer who introduced a Caribbean flair to mainstream US music and became well known for his deep personal investment in civil rights, died April 25, 2023, in Manhattan, US media reported. He was 96. JEWEL SAMAD / AFP

Tributes poured in for Black singer and activist Harry Belafonte, who died on Tuesday, April 25, at the age of 96. Here is a selection of quotes from around the world:

MUSIC

“If you think about what it means to be an artist and an activist, he was literally the epitome of what that was.”—singer John Legend, speaking at a Time magazine event

“Met Harry in 1948 and knew then he would be a huge star. More than that, he fought for social justice & equality and never, ever gave up.”—legendary crooner and Belafonte contemporary Tony Bennett 

“Your passion, love, knowledge and respect for Africa was unlimited. You have helped and supported so many from Miriam Makeba to Martin Luther King. Your wisdom made me strong. Your music inspired me.—Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo

“Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world.”—musician and Oscar-winning filmmaker Questlove

“He was more than a singer, more than an actor and more than a man … Harry Belafonte will be missed.”—rapper Ice Cube

HOLLYWOOD

“May God Have My Dear Friend HARRY BELAFONTE At A Peaceful Rest. We Are Losing Our Giants Left And Right.”—director Spike Lee

“Another ‘GREAT TREE’ has fallen: Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice—especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement.”—talk show legend Oprah Winfrey

“you used your profile and gifts to leave a legacy of activism, of hope, dignity…excellence. Thank you for your vision and talent. Thank you for being a beacon.”—actress Viola Davis

“Harry Belafonte was a standard bearer, in the tradition of Robeson, for generational artistry and deeply informed & committed social & political engagement. Maybe the last of a great tribe. As smart as he was knockdown handsome.”—actor Jeffrey Wright

“We have lost the great Harry Belafonte – beautiful singer, brilliant and brave civil rights activist, a deeply moral and caring man. Miss you already Harry.”—actress Mia Farrow

ACTIVISM

“When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways. In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”—Bernice King, daughter of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr

“Having had the privilege of collaborating with Harry Belafonte to advance human rights I mourn the death of a legend who defied time, genre and medium to activate individuals to further equality and our collective humanity.”—Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, the literary and free expression organization

POLITICS

“He used his fame and fortune for the public good throughout his extraordinary career. (…) Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for human dignity will endure.”—US President Joe Biden

“Harry Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but he was a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression. Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much.”—US Senator Bernie Sanders

“He was a fearless campaigner for civil rights and a powerful voice in the struggle against apartheid, the fight against AIDS, and the quest to eradicate poverty.  Mr Belafonte was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in 1987, and over the decades set new standards for public advocacy on behalf of the world’s children.”—Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

BUSINESS

“The world has lost a true giant today. Harry Belafonte was a barrier breaker who helped reshape our world through his civil rights advocacy, his music, and his acting. May he rest in peace.”—Apple CEO Tim Cook

SPORTS

“A singer, actor, activist, philanthropist, great person and so much more, Harry Belafonte paved the way for so many Black artists in the entertainment industry.”—NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson 

“Thank you, Mr. B, for all of your years of mentorship, guidance, & lifetime of activism fighting for a better future for all of us.”—former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick

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Harry Belafonte, who mixed music, acting, and activism, dies at 96 

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