Harry Belafonte Receives Posthumous Key to the City of New York
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has posthumously awarded a “Key to the City of New York” to legendary Caribbean performer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte for his decades of entertainment in music, film, theater, and television.
Life and Legacy
Belafonte was also awarded for his leadership on national civil rights issues, which included playing a significant role in the March on Washington nearly 60 years ago. Known as the “King of Calypso,” Adams said Belafonte, who died on April 25 this year, was “a singular, multi-generational, international cultural trailblazer.
“The legacy of Harry Belafonte, from music to movies to civil rights, is unparalleled. He balanced artistry and activism with a voice that pushed through racial boundaries and transcended the confines of the recording studio,” Adams said.
Awarded for his Service
Belafonte was one of the most prolific performers in history. Born in Harlem, New York, to West Indian immigrants, Belafonte trained at the American Negro Theatre and would later become one of the few to earn the “EGOT” title, meaning he won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
The Key to the City of New York
The “Key to the City of New York” was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, the then-governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, awarding the “Key to the City of New York” became customary as a direct symbol of the city’s wish that guests feel free to come and go at will.
Adams said the “Key to the City of New York” is a “beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.”
Related
Conclusion
Harry Belafonte’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the world.
FAQs
* Who was Harry Belafonte?
+ Harry Belafonte was a legendary Caribbean performer and civil rights activist.
* What was the “Key to the City of New York” awarded to Belafonte for?
+ The “Key to the City of New York” was awarded to Belafonte for his decades of entertainment in music, film, theater, and television, as well as his leadership on national civil rights issues.
* What is the significance of the “Key to the City of New York”?
+ The “Key to the City of New York” is a symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.