Although he first became famous for his recording of calypso hit The Banana Boat Song (“Day-O”), Harry Belafonte has for many years been a humanitarian activist, involved with such organizations as the
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Peace Corps. His outspoken criticism of the U.S.
involvement in the affairs of other countries has stirred up controversy more than once, but he continues to stand up for what he believes in and to exercise his right of
free speech.
I thought Harry Belafonte was just a singer until I
found out how hard he has worked for so long to help improve the lives of those less
fortunate, without regard for his own
personal comfort or safety.