Art & Style

Jay-Z Honored; Oprah Winfrey, Tiffany Haddish, Common, Stacey Abrams and More Pay Tribute to Harry Belafonte at 94th Birthday Party

Published on March 4, 2021

The art and activism of singer/actor Harry Belafonte was on full display during his virtual 94^th birthday party, which also doubled as a fundraiser and awards ceremony for the icon’s social justice organization, The Gathering for Justice.

The surprise event was concisely put together and featured a mix of birthday tributes from celebrities, friends and family; video clips of Belafonte’s more than 70 years of fighting for social justice, and awards given to people who “stand in the legacy” of the icon, including mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who was honored with the “Gatekeeper of Truth Award.”

According to The Gathering for Justice, Jay-Z received the award because of his “support to organizers on the frontlines during these political times and his inspiration to generations past and future.”

DJ Khaled, who is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, presented the mogul with the award and in a video introduction, he spoke about why Jay-Z is receiving the distinguished honor.

“In the spirit of Mr. B.’s legacy, Jay-Z has modeled what it means to dedicate time and energy—not only to a craft—but he has also worked in many ways behind the scenes to advocate for criminal justice reform and ending violence in our communities and creating opportunities and making investments that will shift the whole world for generations,” Khaled said.

“Jay does this work from a place of love,” Khaled added. “He is never looking for a credit. He’s only looking to work hand in hand with our people to make this world better for all our children. “

In his acceptance remarks, Jay-Z paid tribute to Belafonte and other entertainers who made contributions to the fight for social justice.

“I’m very humbled to be recognized as a gatekeeper,” Jay-Z said. “Yourself, Paul Robeson, and others are the original gatekeepers of the truth. You guys have paved the road that we get to test our drive on. You use your artistry to fight racial, social justice all over the world. And we too…everyone’s an artist and fighting their truths in different ways.”

Oprah, Marty, Kareem, Bernie and More Send Birthday Messages

Hosted by Tiffany Haddish and Charlemagne Tha God, the two-hour event featured a who’s who of celebrities paying tribute to Belafonte on his birthday.

Oprah Winfrey kicked off the tributes with a message where she shared how Belafonte contacted her after the she posted a video of herself on Instagram dancing to his famous hit “Day O!”.

“I just cherish you and I celebrate your 94 incredible years on earth,” Winfrey said. “There wouldn’t be a path forward for me had you not helped to make it. And so my heart, my soul, all of me says thank you for being you all these years.”

Actress Bette Midler in her video tribute shared her admiration for Mr. Belafonte.

“I am so happy that I was alive when you were alive and I could you watch you,” “You stood as a beacon and for that I will be forever grateful. Happy birthday to you, now and forever.”

Among the celebrities providing video messages included Martin Scorsese, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bernie Sanders, Stacey Abrams Pete Buttigieg, Common, Susan Sarandon and Chuck D.

Sponsored by the Hope and Robert F. Smith Foundation, “The Gathering for Harry” also honored youth activists, and labor and civil rights leaders.

Human rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, who was portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in the film “Just Mercy;” was also recognized at the event.

“I’m fully aware that I’m standing on the shoulders of a generation of people who would put on their Sunday best and go places knowing they were going to be beaten battered and bloodied, yet they went any way.” Stevenson said in his remarks.

Other Legacy Award recipients included George Gresham and Patrick Gaspard.

In addition to the awards, there were video tributes and performances from admirers and mentees of Belafonte, including performances from Aja Monet, Yacouba Sissoko and Aloc Blacc.

During a video conversation, Belafonte spoke with Carmen Perez-Jordan, The Gathering for Justice President and CEO, and offered his reaction to the birthday tributes.

“Thank you so much for this,” he said in a video recorded in bed. “It’s overwhelming. I expected to enjoy it, I didn’t expect to be overwhelmed.”

A rebroadcast of Harry Belafonte’s 94^th birthday celebration is available on The Gathering for Justice website.