Harry Belafonte Says Jay-Z and Beyonce Could Do More For Blacks.
When you get old, you get to say whatever is on your chest. That’s exactly what Harry Belafonte did. He basically said Beyonce and Jay-Z are not stepping up for the black community.
Before we go crazy on Belafonte he gets a pass. One, because he is 85. Anyone who grew up in the 40’s had to deal with racial issues, the likes that we will never see in our generation. For him to overcome those hurdles alone is admirable. He was the first black man (or woman) to win an Emmy and he also won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. As far as Civil rights, Belafonte put his money where his mouth is. He baled Martin Luther King out of prison and raised funds to bail many civil rights leaders out as well.
Belefonte took $60,000 of his own money in 1964 and bankrolled the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee….I can go on and on with just the stuff we know about. He is indeed accomplished, wise and did more then his fair share of giving a
WHAT DID HARRY BELAFONTE SAY ABOUT BEYONCE AND JAY Z?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Belafonte says that Bruce Springsteen has done more for black people then Jay-Z and Beyonce. Belefonte also expressed that he was not happy with how minorities were portrayed in Hollywood. He told The Hollywood Reporter,
They have not told the history of our people, nothing of who we are. We are still looking.
‘We are not determinated. We are not driven by some technology that says you can kill Afghans, the Iraqis or the Spanish. It is all — excuse my French — s**t. It is sad.
‘And I think one of the great abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility.
‘That goes for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, for example. Give me Bruce Springsteen, and now you’re talking. I really think he is black.’
For the record Jay-Z’s SCF (Sean Carter Foundation) has provided over 750 students awards totalling $1.3 million dollars.
They also sponsor toy drives that ensure the kids in the Marcy Projects have toys as well as similar drives throughout the boroughs and New jersey.
Beyonce has a cosmetology center which helps recovering addicts acquire the skills they need to pass the NY State Licensure Exam Requirements.
Those are just two high level examples but there are more. The question becomes, is it enough? In my opinion, No. Not even close, but it’s more than most NBA players and other celebrities but less than others.
Arguments have gone on for years regarding Oprah’s school in South Africa. Many think she should have spent that money and time in the US. Belefonte is pissed because he hears more about Jay-Z and Beyonce renting out a houses in the Hamptons for $400,000 per month then them donating $400,000 for the advancement of blacks.
Belefonte is a brilliant man, and he is making these statements publically for affect. He is aware that they give, but it’s not enough. He’s hoping that his statements just get them to take a step back and realize they can do more. I believe the will. It might not be an immediate reaction but there will be one.
Well played Belafonte! Well played.
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