Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed great admiration for his late friend Harry Belafonte on news of the latter’s passing, calling Belafonte “not only a great entertainer, but… a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression.”
Sanders also called Belafonte, a World War II Navy veteran, a “friend” in a post on Twitter, saying his relationship with the star had been a “privilege.”
Politicians often seek (and receive) celebrity endorsements, but rarely in such relationships are the two figures so well-matched in their ideals and agendas as Sanders and Belafonte were — both vocal advocates for equality, social justice, and worker empowerment.
Harry Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but he was a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression. Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much. pic.twitter.com/TO2xrz0GJF
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 25, 2023
In 2016, during Bernie Sanders’ first presidential campaign, Belafonte endorsed him, saying that Sanders was “the only candidate who has spoken about structural change.”
Belafonte said that Sanders offered “young people” and “all people” the “choice to be able to turn this ship of state called America around and place it on a new course.”
Belafonte continued to support Sanders in his 2020 presidential campaign, speaking at a rally in Nevada and appearing in a campaign ad. In the ad, Belafonte praised Sanders for his consistency and his willingness to take on powerful interests.
Throughout his career, Belafonte worked to advance civil rights and social justice causes, using his fame to raise awareness and support for the movement. He was an early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists to promote equality and justice.
Belafonte also played a key role in bringing attention to the struggles of apartheid-era South Africa, working to mobilize international support for the anti-apartheid movement. But he was always most incisive in his critique of America.
A prolific performer and entertainer, Belafonte released more than 30 albums over the course of his career. He also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the classic musical “Carmen Jones” and the acclaimed television miniseries “Roots.”
