The legacy of legendary entertainer and social justice activist Harry Belafonte was celebrated in Brooklyn on August 28, as Grammy, Oscar and Emmy-winning artist Common headlined a special concert at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park.
Presented by BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! and The Action Lab, the free event drew thousands for an evening featuring performances by Common, Adi Oasis and Chilean rapper and activist Ana Tijoux, with playwright and actor Lemon Andersen serving as host. The programme was organised through The Action Lab’s Belafonte Fellowship, which recognises artists who use their creative work to advance social justice. Common was named the organisation’s 2025 Harry Belafonte Fellow.
- Advertisement -
Belafonte, who died in 2023 at age 96, was one of the most prominent entertainers to become deeply involved in the American civil rights movement. Born in New York to Jamaican parents, he used his international fame to support civil rights campaigns, humanitarian causes and movements for racial equality.
His relationship with the Caribbean was also central to his cultural identity. Belafonte helped introduce Caribbean music to millions of Americans while using his platform to connect entertainment with social and political activism.
That combination of art and activism was reflected in the Brooklyn programme. The Belafonte Fellowship was established to continue his approach by supporting artists whose creative work is connected to grassroots organising, justice and community engagement.
Common has similarly used music, film and public advocacy to address issues including racial justice, education and community empowerment. His selection as a Belafonte Fellow places him among artists continuing the tradition of using popular culture as a vehicle for social change.
The Brooklyn setting also carried cultural significance. The concert was held at the Lena Horne Bandshell, named for the legendary Brooklyn-born entertainer and civil rights figure, and forms part of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, New York City’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival.
The evening therefore served as both a concert and a continuation of Belafonte’s philosophy that artists can play an important role in confronting injustice and strengthening communities. Through Common and other contemporary performers, his influence continues to connect music, culture and activism for a new generation.
