Award-winning musician, activist and actor Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96. As KYW’s Shara Dae Howard reports, his ties to Philadelphia run deep.

Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum, says Harry Belafonte’s friendship with Anderson ran as deep as their mutual commitment to the civil rights movement. Belafonte was present to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the museum 28 years ago.

“He was well aware that our great Marian Anderson was the lady of Philadelphia and would often come to her home, which is the Marian Anderson Museum,” Pirtle said.

Janice Sykes Ross, CEO of the Paul Robeson House and Museum, recalls that Belafonte used his notoriety as a world renowned singer, actor and outspoken activist to further the civil rights movement alongside Robeson. She says Belafonte was closely involved with the museum.

“He has come here several times and was pleased with what the organization was doing in keeping Robeson’s legacy alive,” Ross said.

(Image credit: Stephen Lovekin/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Award-winning musician, activist and actor Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96. As KYW’s Shara Dae Howard reports, his ties to Philadelphia run deep.
Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum, says Harry Belafonte’s friendship with Anderson ran as deep as their mutual commitment to the civil rights movement. Belafonte was present to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the museum 28 years ago.
“He was well aware that our great Marian Anderson was the lady of Philadelphia and would often come to her home, which is the Marian Anderson Museum,” Pirtle said.
Janice Sykes Ross, CEO of the Paul Robeson House and Museum, recalls that Belafonte used his notoriety as a world renowned singer, actor and outspoken activist to further the civil rights movement alongside Robeson. She says Belafonte was closely involved with the museum.
“He has come here several times and was pleased with what the organization was doing in keeping Robeson’s legacy alive,” Ross said.
(Image credit: Stephen Lovekin/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

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