Harlem Library Named After Singer, Activist Harry Belafonte

HARLEM, NY — One of Harlem's native sons was honored by the New York Public Library (NYPL) this week when a local branch was named in honor of singer and human rights activist Harry Belafonte. The executive committee of the NYPL's board of trustees voted to honor Belafonte by christening the library on 115th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues the Harry Belafonte –115th Street Library.

Belafonte was born in Harlem nearly 90 years ago. During his long career as a musician Belafonte introduced island music into American popular culture and used his celebrity status to advance human rights causes, acting as a close confidante of Martin Luther King Jr.

City officials celebrated the NYPL's honoring of Belafonte.

"The Library is proud to honor legendary civil rights leader and entertainer Harry Belafonte, whose Harlem roots and deep dedication to both social justice and the spread of knowledge make him a perfect namesake for the 115th Street Library," NYPL President Tony Marx said in a statement. "This branch and all of our libraries strengthen New York City's diverse communities by offering free and open access to information and opportunity – values that Mr. Belafonte has stood for over his long and distinguished career. We thank the Mayor for his support in celebrating the legacy of this incredible New Yorker."

Even though Belafonte is nearly 90 years old he still dedicates his life to activism. Recently Belafonte founded the Sankofa Justice & Equity Fund and in 2014 he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to a press release. Last year he was named a "Library Lion" by the NYPL.

"On March 1st 90 years ago, I was born here. Harlem holds a very special place in my heart, and I'm so honored that I will now have a special place in Harlem. A library is a place for people to come together, to learn about their world and explore new ideas, things I've tried to do my entire life," Belafonte said in a statement. "I am hopeful that when people come to this place that will now bear my name, they will be inspired to learn about some of the pursuits I've held most dear —music, writing and social justice."

Photo by kate gabrielle via Flickr/Creative Commons