Last Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing legendary Harry Belafonte. He was here by special invitation by the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for a special fund raising event. You know...you learn something everyday. I felt bad because I found out that Mr. Belafonte made a heavy impact on our fight for civil rights. He had support from all civil rights leaders and the ear of many of our politicians. From what I learned that day, I don't think many people knew that either. Many folk probably knew him from his calypso singing, acting and television experiences. For a 87 year old man, he's sharp as a tack - intellectually.
The Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Sprint presented 'An Evening with a Legend: Harry Belafonte.'
The Event Honorary
Chairs were Judge Jon R. Gray (Ret.) and Dr. Valerie E. Chow, M.D., Baseball
Legend, Mr. Frank & Mrs. Theresa White, and Senator Yvonne S. Wilson,
(Ret.).
The
special dinner highlighted the life of world-renowned actor, singer, civil
rights activist, and humanitarian, Harry Belafonte. The formal dinner included a live
interview with KSHB-TV 41 Station anchor, Mrs. Cynthia Newsome and Mr.
Belafonte, excerpts from his autobiographical film “Sing Your Song,” and a
unique retrospective of artifacts and items from the life of Harry
Belafonte.
The building’s
namesake, Bruce R. Watkins and Harry Belafonte shared a similar passion for
civil rights. Both were born during the
same era and helped to overturn numerous racial barriers and injustices in our
nation.
In addition because of his lifelong commitment to young people and civil
rights, Mr. Belafonte spoke at a special Youth Forum for Kansas City
Metropolitan area middle school and high school students at Pierson Auditorium
at the University of Missouri of Kansas City.
The Gala Affair was
a fundraiser that benefited the Cultural Center’s Programming and
Exhibits.
The special dinner was catered exclusively by Hill House Caterers. Corporate sponsors for the event
include the following: Sprint, The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Swope
Health Services, Gates Barbecue, Husch Blackwell, The City of Kansas City,
MO-Parks and Recreation Department, Truman Medical Center, and Turner
Construction.
Below are some images from the evening.
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4 comments:
Sam your work is absolutely spectaclar! Thank you for being a part of the event!
Nice pic Sam! Wish I could have been there to hear him!! #somotivating
He stopped his limo and sang a few songs with my pops on Saturday. My dad was playing on the Plaza.
Great photos, Sam! The event was surely one I will never forget! It was a blessing for me to meet Mr. Harry Belafonte and to discover the significant roles he pursued as a Civil Rights advocate. As an Illustrator who pulls inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s to create mixed-media artworks, I appreciate the tenacity and the strength of positive character of those before us. Harry Belafonte is an absolute legend and he has, personally, empowered me to remain diligent in my craft. Thank you :)
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