A section of 135th Street in Harlem will be renamed for Harry Belafonte in recognition of his significant contributions as a civil rights activist and artist. Born in Harlem, Belafonte found his calling in theater and later rose to fame in film and music. He starred in Carmen Jones, paving the way for Black actors in Hollywood, and released the influential Calypso album, which sold over one million copies. Belafonte was also deeply committed to civil rights, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and supporting various initiatives.
Belafonte's film career took off with his role in Carmen Jones (1954), a film that featured an all-Black cast, helping pave the way for Black actors in Hollywood.
In addition to his acting career, Belafonte made waves in the music industry with his 1956 album, Calypso, exposing Americans to Calypso music and selling over one million copies within a year.
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