Remembrances of the late Harry Belafonte are still going strong as the New York State Legislature honors the entertainer-activist, Everybody’s magazine releases a cover story on him, and veteran musician Monty Alexander writes of their friendship for the New Americas Now website.
Earlier this month, the Legislature paid tribute to Belafonte with a resolution honoring his “life and accomplishments.”
“Harry Belafonte, a true icon and advocate for social justice, has impacted the world through his music, activism, and unwavering commitment to equality,” said state Sen. Cleare, who cosponsored the resolution with Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
“The Other Side of Harry Belafonte” story was written by Everybody’s publisher Herman Hall, who has “frequently interacted with Belafonte” over the years. “The mainstream media emphasized Belafonte’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and reminded everyone that he was ‘The King of Calypso.’ Did you know Belafonte abhorred that title?” asks Hall, who wrote the feature for the June “Summer Festivals” issue.
Also included in the magazine is a tribute to the late Trinidad-born steel band pioneer Reynold Juan (Caldera) Caraballo.
And in another published work, Jamaican jazz pianist Alexander recalls his personal relationship with Belafonte in a moving first-person article on NewsAmericasNow.com. “Harry always treated me with great kindness,” said Alexander in his “Remembering My Friend Harry Belafonte” article. “Whenever he saw me, he would joyfully exclaim, ‘cousin!’ Our bond grew stronger over time.”
AUTHOR SHOWS ‘THE WAY UP’
After getting your foot in the corporate door, Errol Pierre’s book — “The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color” — is a “pragmatic and actionable guide” on how to move to attain your career goals from entry level to executive status.
Developing “self-confidence and emotional intelligence,” “finding the right mentor and becoming an effective mentee,” assembling allies, and maintaining one’s morals and personal values are some of the topics addressed, says the senior vice president at the Healthfirst insurance company, who penned the 2022 guide with writer Jim Jermanok. Pierre also teaches part-time at New York University, Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business.
Pierre — whose Haiti-born parents emigrated to the U.S. — assures the readers that “The Way Up” contains invaluable information for both the business beginner and the corporate veteran. Reflecting on his personal accomplishments, he said, “While I’ve been recognized by many non-profits and business organizations for the work I’ve done in the community, the award I am the proudest of is my dad’s smile at my NYU graduation. As a Haitian immigrant, seeing me graduate made one of his dreams come true.”
For more information, visit errolpierre.com.
The International African Arts Festival — with its musical and dance performances, foods, and arts and crafts vendors — is returning to New York July 1 through July 4.
Taking place rain or shine, the festival will be held at Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park, at Nassau and Navy Sts., in Fort Greene from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, send email to [email protected], call (718) 638-6700, and visit iaafestival.org.
CARICOM FLAG TO FLY IN JERSEY
The Jersey City Caribbean American Cultural Foundation and the city of Jersey City are starting “Jersey City Caribbean American Carnival Month” with a CARICOM flag raising ceremony on July 7 at Jersey City Hall Chambers, 280 Grove St. starting at 1:30 p.m.
According to foundation president Cheryl DB Murphy, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and municipal council members will join foundation members and supporters at the event. CARICOM (the Caribbean Community of nations) is an organization of countries and member states.
The flag raising is a prelude to the carnival foundation’s “Jersey City Caribbean Statewide Carnival Parade We Turn 28″ and its road march procession on July 22. The anniversary event theme is “28 Years Building Community Together.”
For information, send email to [email protected], call (201) 332-5538, or send text messages to (201) 757-9043. Also, visit jccarnival.com.