AUBURN GRESHAM — Iconic Civil Rights legend, actor and singer Harry Belafonte will kick off a speaking series at St. Sabina Friday.
The annual African-American Speaking Series will take place at the church, 210 W. 78th Pl., at 7:30 p.m.
At the beginning of the New York City native's acting career in 1953, Belafonte played a school principal in his first movie, "Bright Road," starring Dorothy Dandridge, according to biography.com.
He later became a Civil Rights activist when he met Martin Luther King Jr.
"Always outspoken, Belafonte found inspiration for his activism from such figures as singer Paul Robeson; writer and activist W. E. B. Du Bois; and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.," the bio continues. "In the 1950s, Belafonte met Martin Luther King, Jr. The pair became good friends, and Belafonte emerged as a strong voice for the civil rights movement. He provided financial backing for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Council and participated in numerous rallies and protests. Belafonte was with King when the civil rights leader gave his famous 'I Have A Dream' speech in Washington, D.C., and visited with him days before King was assassinated in 1968."
Belafonte, 89, has visited St. Sabina in the past, said Rev. Michael Pfleger, senior pastor, adding that it's an "honor" to have him again.
"He is someone who has fought for justice in America," Pfleger said. "He was a confidant for Dr. King, and he challenges us all to be peace makers while fighting for equality.”
