Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Harry Belafonte 1927 - 2023
JOHN GREEN pays tribute to the activism of a man of political fearlessness 
Harry Belafonte [Niall Carson/PA Images]

HARRY BELAFONTE, who died today, aged 96, is hardly the first person who comes to mind when you think of great individuals who have changed the face of history, even though he did. 

Younger generations have probably never heard of him and even older ones are more likely to recall him as a singer of Calypso tunes rather than a political activist. 

How historical narratives can distort and erase! 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
soul
Film of the week / 28 August 2025
28 August 2025

Despite the primitive means the director was forced to use, this is an incredibly moving film from Gaza and you should see it, urges JOHN GREEN

fotw
Film of the Week / 7 August 2025
7 August 2025

JOHN GREEN recommends an Argentinian film classic on re-release - a deliciously cynical tale of swindling and double-cross

earthquakes
Books / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

JOHN GREEN is fascinated by a very readable account of Britain’s involvement in South America

metamorf
Exhibition review / 16 July 2025
16 July 2025

JOHN GREEN is stirred by an ambitious art project that explores solidarity and the shared memory of occupation

Similar stories
moholo
Appreciation / 9 July 2025
9 July 2025

CHRIS SEARLE pays tribute to the late South African percussionist, Louis Moholo-Moholo

ASSISTING ON ALL FRONTS: (L to R) Cuban doctors of the Henry
Features / 14 November 2024
14 November 2024
Cuba deserves, in its hour of need, a far greater international support than it receives, writes GREG GODELS
ANTI-WAR ACTIVISM: The original cast of the FTA (F*ck The Ar
Books / 25 October 2024
25 October 2024
STEVE JOHNSON recommends the autobiography of the great US singer-songwriter and activist, Barbara Dane
Bill Lucy
Features / 3 October 2024
3 October 2024
ROGER McKENZIE pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary trade unionist who championed black workers while forging powerful alliances across colour lines, reshaping the US labour movement