On August 26, the Diaspora African Forum honored the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte by inscribing his name on the Sankofa Wall. This event took place at the African Union’s Diaspora Embassy in Accra, recognizing Belafonte not only as a beloved singer, actor, and musician but also as a civil rights advocate who used his platform to fight against inequality and promote human rights.
Gina Belafonte, daughter of Harry Belafonte and CEO of Sankofa, reflected on her father’s deep connection to Ghana and shared her thoughts on his legacy. She said, “What I hope is that the legacy that my father leads is for people to have a deeper understanding of the contribution that they personally can make. Everyone has the opportunity to participate, everyone has the opportunity to support, help the oppressed, and this is what my father did. I also hope that my father’s demonstrations of how he used his platform, how he used his celebrity, how he used his voice to give voice to those who don’t have the opportunity to speak for themselves, how he shared his stages with people so that the world could have a deeper understanding of other places, other sounds, and other languages.”
Gina Belafonte also expressed her hope for greater social equity in the United States and spoke passionately about the need to protect children and reform the justice system, especially for young people from marginalized communities.
The induction of Harry Belafonte’s name onto the Sankofa Wall comes at a time when discussions about the diaspora’s role in Africa’s future are increasingly important. The Sankofa Wall stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance for those who have made significant contributions to African heritage and the global struggle for civil rights. With his name now alongside other influential figures, Harry Belafonte is celebrated as one of Africa’s notable sons.
From left Is H.E. Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Gina Belafonte and Dr. Toni Luck
H.E. Ambassador Erieka Bennett, founder and head of mission of the Diaspora African Forum, expressed her excitement about the honor. “We are not necessarily saying ‘come back,’ we are saying ‘look back.’ That’s something that all of us should do, and I’m really, really excited to be here today to honor a person who truly is a beacon of light for Black people around the world.”
About the Diaspora African Forum
The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) is a non-profit organization endorsed by the African Union (AU) and was opened on July 7, 2001, by H.E. President J.A. Kufuor. DAF was the first and remains the only African Diaspora organization of its kind. Its mission is to support the African Union by representing the African Diaspora and ensuring their involvement in Africa’s development. For over 20 years, DAF has worked to bridge the gap between Africa and its global diaspora.
About Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, born on March 1, 1927, was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist. He gained international fame in the 1950s and 1960s for popularizing calypso music, especially with his hit album Calypso (1956), which was the first LP by a single artist to sell over a million copies. Some of his most famous songs include “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell.”
Belafonte also had a successful acting career, starring in films like Carmen Jones (1954) and BlacKkKlansman (2018). He was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and an influential figure in the civil rights movement. Throughout his life, he advocated for social justice and was a vocal critic of political leaders he disagreed with.
Belafonte’s achievements include three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. He was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts, and in 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
STORY BY: EUNICE ADJEI