Happy Birthday, Harry Belafonte, life-long advocate for human rights!

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A man stands in front of the Djingareyber mosque on February 4, 2016 in Timbuktu, central Mali.
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March 1, 2012

The Hon. Laura Richardson of California in the House of Representatives gave a moving tribute to Harry Belafonte on his birthday.

Belafonte (center) at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C with Sidney Poitier (left) and Charlton Heston

Ms. RICHARDSON: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me in extending warm wishes to Mr. Harry Belafonte, a great American who celebrates his 85th birthday today. Harry Belafonte is not only the consummate entertainer, but he is a tireless civil rights advocate. He has used the fame and wealth that he earned early on in his career as a musician and actor to support and advance the cause of civil and human rights.

Read the full Congressional tribute to Mr. Belafonte, the story of his life here, and his great contributions to the Civil Rights Movement here.

Find more Black culture articles here.

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