Summary

Harry Belafonte, a giant in the world of performance and activism, died Tuesday at 95. President Biden said Belafonte was "A groundbreaking American who used his talent, his fame and his voice to help redeem the soul of our nation." We take a look at the breadth and impact of his life.

For a transcript of the story, click here.

News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

• Who is Harry Belafonte and where was he born?
• What are some of the causes Belafonte championed during his lifetime?
• When did Belafonte's activism start, according to his interviews in this story?
• Why did Belafonte become an artist and then activist, according to his interviews in this story?
• How did Belafonte break new ground as an artist and entertainer?

Focus Questions

What do you think is the most important part of Harry Belafonte's legacy based on this story?

News media analysis: How do you think producers and news writers choose which aspects of a life like that of Belafonte's they want to highlight in a remembrance like this one?

Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do: Learn more about Belafonte's life here . As a classroom, watch the two interviews Belafonte conducted during his week of hosting the Tonight Show in 1968. As a class, discuss: Who are the two individuals he interviews, and what were their roles in 1968? What issues that they discuss are still relevant today?

Student Video of the Day (April 26, 2023)

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