Belafonte Harry - My Song: a Memoir

With my appreciation of literature and great admiration for writers, Id always hoped I could master language and maybe one day be a storyteller. Sensing an inadequacy for the task, I never really contemplated the idea of writing a book. But a combination of circumstance and desire overcame my insecurity, the consequence of which is this work.

It was difficult. It took me to places that exhausted me, frustrated me, troubled me. But in the end I was rewarded by the challenge.

I cannot say enough about Michael Shnayerson and what he brought into my space, guiding me through the minefields of storytelling. His enviable gift of craft created the frame within which this story was shaped. His focus kept me disciplined, and his challenges and questions always improved the result. I am both grateful for and rewarded by our journey.

There are many who could take credit for the fact that this book exists. I often was encouraged, more forcefully by some than by others, to document my lifes journey. To all of these people, I feel indebtedness: Stony Cooks; Carlos Santana; Jake Holmes, whose gift turned many of our thoughts into poetry; Taylor Branch; Julian Bond; Ira Gilbert; Richard Rosenberg, the gribenes of my life; Jay Cooper; Cy and Shirley Rossman; John Lewis; David Dinkins; Bill Lynch; my boss George Gresham and everybody at 1199; Jack and Mary Willis; Philip Rotter; Kenneth and Maria Cole, whose generosity of spirit soothes many anxious moments; Christina Malach; Jeff Roth of The New York Times for exhuming old clippings of my early career. Michael Fuchs thanks for the pool, the vista, and the dogs! My gratitude to Peter Gethers, my very capable and encouraging editor at Knopf. And to the numerous others who nudged me along the way.

Mario Cuomo was my boss when, for seven years, I served as chairperson of the New York State Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. In the decades since, we have locked steps in our pursuit of justice. Above all, though, he is my friend, and I am mindful that his was the final word that committed me to the task of putting pen to paper. Thanks for the push.

For my friends in The Gathering for Justice, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, the Burns Institute, Barrios Unidos, Unity One, and all the missionaries of resistance who with their youth have invigorated me, with their minds have kept me endlessly attuned and alert, and with their passion for justice have stirred my spirits constantly. They continue to do so. Thanks for inspiring so much in this book.

For Harold Melvin, who insists on keeping me honest with his irreverence. To Esther Newberg, whose stewardship steered me to a safe port. Her advice was critical. For Mike Remer, who wisely counseled that suing the enemy doesnt always guarantee justice and could be a sure way to abject poverty. He kept the ship afloat in the midst of J. Edgar Hoovers consistent effort to sink it. And for Abe Briloff, whose moral clarity, strength of conviction, and caring attention made me keep my eye on the sparrow. To Chris Blackwell, my fellow Jamaican, who affords me many wondrous moments in my favorite place in the worldhis home on Jamaicas north coast. Thanks for your kindness. For Orin Lyons, who has daily deepened my trust in fellow beings. His wisdom, always shared with me, continues to guide me. Connie Rice: No movement person has more sway over me than she. When choices are put before us that could have dire consequences if miscalculated, she brings intellect and courage to the decision-making process that enables us to consistently triumph on the side of justice. Her will inspires me. And to Danny Glover. When he stepped into the autumn of my life and offered me his unconditional friendship, he filled a space that had been vacant for a long time. He calmed the loss of Paul Robeson and added joy for the walk ahead. For Nane Alejndrez, who embodies the courage of every noble warrior I have ever stood with; his generosity toward humanity moves the heart to reach for greater truths. Thanks for the time we spend in the prisons of California and for Cinco de Mayo. And I thank you for what you have brought to the struggle. In memory of Bo Taylor, who, in his death, left our mission without any doubt that honor was indispensable. We learned that our service to the cause should never waver from the examples of truth and courage that he displayed. That was his gift to us. Sorry he isnt here for the dance. I am forever grateful that Shirley Cooks is my sister. How proud she makes me feel. Her quiet dignity commands respect from those she encounters, and her contribution in the service of our country is invaluable. She shares with me the peaks and valleys of our sibling history and validates the journey. To Lauren Coakley-Vincent for her sanity and for keeping me on track in a life that is filled with persistent demands and impossible schedules. Im glad you do it. I just dont know how. Perhaps most indispensable of all, Dr. David Miller, Dr. Reese Pritchett, and Maria SpinelliI thank you for continued life and breath. Michael Cohl and Lori McGoran: So much was started on your turf. You understood the undertaking and knew that moments would come when I would need space. You made it available by sharing your homes, Yankee games, and so much more along the way. Your generosity always arrived when I needed it most. Thanks.

Lindsey, Sarah, Bill, Elise, Roy, Sue, and Dede, thanks to Pam, are now members of my extended family. I thank them for the many moments they helped me steal when the guards at the gate werent watching. Their love and thoughtfulness helped me scale the walls.

And to you dear Pamela,

Many of the things that I have done over the last years would not have happened had it not been for you. This book is one of them.

As fully as I had lived life, until I met you I had not visited that inner place you helped reveal. I wanted to tell a story, not just about my life, but about encounters experienced during my journey that might in some way enhance an understanding of the times. In our many conversations, you helped me understand the story I had to tell, and kept urging me to tell it. This book has taken up a great deal of time in your life, and your willingness to stay with me throughout the process has brought the whole thing to fruition. Thank you for all that you have given to bring this moment to pass. Your patience, your caring, your attentiveness to intent all helped to secure the confidence I needed to dare the venture. This work is very much your doing, and I thank you for the joy of it, thank you for helping me stay the course. Thank you for being.

Love you. Harry