<br><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK START--><a href="http://www.chicagodefender.com/page/commentary.cfm?ArticleID=4605">www.chicagodefender.com/p...cleID=4605</a><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK END--><br>BILL FLETCHER JR<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> is-inviting Harry Belafonte?<br>by Bill Fletcher Jr.<br>March 30, 2006<br><br>I simply could not believe it. Frankly, I did not want to believe it. When the story broke that entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte had been dis-invited from speaking at the funeral of the late Coretta Scott King, I assumed that this was the makings of an urban legend. It was inconceivable to me that there would be such spinelessness that an outspoken advocate for human rights, Black freedom, not to mention a long-time friend of the King family, would be dis-invited from speaking at Mrs. King's funeral.<br><br>The reasons for this insult seem to revolve around the fact that President Bush decided to put in an appearance at the funeral. Presumably, some of those organizing the funeral were afraid that Belafonte was going to say something to embarrass Bush. What is so striking about this is that anyone who knows anything about Harry Belafonte, his life and his career, knows that he is not only eloquent and brilliant, but as well a superb diplomat. Despite his deep-seated opposition to the policies of the Bush administration on domestic and international issues, Belafonte would certainly have approached the funeral, first and foremost, as a friend of the King family, a friendship that dates back to a period well before George Bush was getting cutting up at Yale University.<br><br>What could have led to the spinelessness of those who chose to turn Belafonte away? What happened to priorities?<br><br>There is little question but that in the absence of a vibrant social movement, weaknesses emerge even among otherwise good people. Courage becomes a rare commodity as individuals often feel that they are standing alone. Unfortunately, in that environment, the sort of environment in which we live today, otherwise good people often choose to cave in, that is, to appease the oppressor in hoping that by doing so that it will perhaps buy us a little time and a little acceptance.<br><br>It does not work.<br><br> Share your thoughts on this story on the ChicagoDefender.com message board.<br> <br>Instead we lose face in front of the oppressor. This is precisely what has happened as a result of the capitulation and dis-invitation to Belafonte. This was not just a humiliation of Harry Belafonte, but it was a humiliation of the King family. It was a humiliation of all those who believe that the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King could be summarized in the notions of faith, conviction and struggle. This is to say that in the face of evil and injustice, we stand with our friends, and we defy our opponents. To do any less is to condemn ourselves to a purgatory of conscience from which we can never reemerge as self-respecting human beings.<br><br>Harry Belafonte deserves an apology by those who dis-invited him. Black America deserves that same apology. Our history of struggle and defiance demands it.<br><br> <br><br>Bill Fletcher Jr. is president of TransAfrica Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit educational and organizing center formed to raise awareness in the United States about issues facing the nations and peoples of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. He also is co-chair of the anti-war coalition, United for Peace and Justice (
www.unitedforpeace.org). He can be reached at
bfletcher@transafricaforum.org.<br> A Media Titan - John H. Johnson: 1918-2005 <br> The Chicago Defender's continuing coverage of the life and legacy of John H. Johnson, founder of Ebony and Jet magazines. This tribute will remain here until Aug. 8, 2006.<br> <br> <br>Chicago Defender Inside Black America Podcast <br> What did Roland S. Martin tell Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg about his disrespectful column about Cook County Board President John Stroger Jr.? Click here to listen!<br> <br> <br>Jobs available at the Chicago Defender <br> Looking for a new opportunity? Join the Chicago Defender family!<br> <br> <br>Support Chairman Fred Hampton Way! <br> Click here to get information on the naming of a street in Chicago Fred Hampton Way, an honor for the Illinois Black Panther who was assassinated in December 1969 by Chicago police.<br> <br> <br><br> <br> <br> <br> <p></p><i></i>
by darkbeforedawn » Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:05 am