Great story on Harry Belafonte. You have captured the iconic Belafonte perfectly, and at the same time shown that the man had, not feet of clay, but human feet, probably size 10 or 11. The history of the 300 building as a place where the barriers of segregation in NYC were challenged is rich is celebrities, leading civil rights figures, and a supporting cast of tenants with legal and business acumen. It's also a wonderful story of shared values, your father's courageous break from his business interests to support for international cultural and educational projects, and your own coming of age. And I can't help thinking of the contrast between the history of the 300 building and the father and son Trump duo being hauled into court as racists landlords some 20 years later. You didn't comment on this, but you didn't have to. Thanks for this wonderful piece, Dan! DR
Wow!! What a wonderful story! My cousin, Richard Cummings, was Belafonte's music director for a long time, and my cousin, Carolyn Thompson, knew him well from being an activist. To think I was just one degree of separation in three directions!
WONderful Story Dan!! You met AND really knew him! I can still sing you all the words to "Jamaica Farewell"- it was about the first thing I learned to play on my ukulele.
Great story on Harry Belafonte. You have captured the iconic Belafonte perfectly, and at the same time shown that the man had, not feet of clay, but human feet, probably size 10 or 11. The history of the 300 building as a place where the barriers of segregation in NYC were challenged is rich is celebrities, leading civil rights figures, and a supporting cast of tenants with legal and business acumen. It's also a wonderful story of shared values, your father's courageous break from his business interests to support for international cultural and educational projects, and your own coming of age. And I can't help thinking of the contrast between the history of the 300 building and the father and son Trump duo being hauled into court as racists landlords some 20 years later. You didn't comment on this, but you didn't have to. Thanks for this wonderful piece, Dan! DR
Fascinating! Really enjoyed this.
Fun story, Dan.
Wow!! What a wonderful story! My cousin, Richard Cummings, was Belafonte's music director for a long time, and my cousin, Carolyn Thompson, knew him well from being an activist. To think I was just one degree of separation in three directions!
WONderful Story Dan!! You met AND really knew him! I can still sing you all the words to "Jamaica Farewell"- it was about the first thing I learned to play on my ukulele.
TJ
Great story, well told, Dan!