Harry Belafonte Parents: Meet Harold George Bellanfanti, Sr. and Melvine Bellanfanti
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City.
Harry Belafonte was the son of Caribbean immigrants Melvine Love and Harold George Bellanfanti Sr.
His mother was a Jamaican-born housekeeper, and his father was a Martinique-born chef who worked in the New York City restaurant industry.
Belafonte’s parents were both of mixed-race heritage. His mother had African and Scottish ancestry, while his father had French and African ancestry.
Growing up in Harlem during the Great Depression, Belafonte’s parents struggled to make ends meet.
Despite their financial difficulties, Belafonte’s parents instilled in him a love of music and culture. His mother sang in the church choir, and his father played the guitar and piano.
As a child, Belafonte would often listen to his parent’s music collection, which included jazz, blues, and calypso.
Belafonte’s parents also emphasized the importance of education. They encouraged him to attend school and pursue his dreams. However, Belafonte struggled academically due to dyslexia.
Despite these challenges, Belafonte went on to become a successful musician and actor. He is best known for popularizing Caribbean music in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
He also played a key role in the civil rights movement as an activist and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In later years, Belafonte has spoken about how his parents’ influence shaped his life. He has credited them with instilling in him a sense of pride in his heritage and inspiring him to use his talents for social change.
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