HARLEM, New York — Harry Belafonte was the star of the show at the Apollo Theater in Harlem Sunday night.
The singer, actor and civil rights activist sat in the fourth row as entertainers sang their praises for his 93rd birthday celebration.
“I love his sound. It’s very sexy, happy, Caribbean,” fan Debra Soriano said.
Many praised the Harlem-native and longtime Upper West Side resident’s participation in civil rights marches and protests as well as his social justice advocacy in the United States and in Africa.
“A phenomenal humanitarian. A person who is always giving back,” Danny L., another fan, said. “I am happy to come celebrate with him.”
Karen Stewart traveled from Maryland with her grandson, Kaden, because she wanted him to see firsthand what a great man the so-called “King of Calypso” is.
“To know that this is the famous black Apollo Theater and it is this very famous civil rights leader,” Stewart said.
All the proceeds for the birthday tribute will go to the The Center for Popular Democracy and the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library.
