More than Military

HARRY BELAFONTE
Actor, Singer, Director, Activist

Thanks to the GI Bill, Harry Belafonte was able to secure an illustrious career as musician, actor and humanitarian.

At the young age of 19, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, veteran Harry Belafonte attended The New School for Social Research in New York City, using his GI Bill benefits.

After graduation, Belafonte began appearing in jazz clubs. His acting career took off after his 1953 film debut in "Bright Road." Many movies and performances later, Belefonte received a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway performance in John Murray Anderson's Almanac.

With Paul Robeson as his inspiration, Belafonte took art and activism to new levels.

During his 43 years in of fame. Belafonte worked against social injustice. During the civil rights movement, Belafonte advised Martin Luther King and John Kennedy; and he marched and organized, and mobilized the Hollywood community. He publicly denounced apartheid in South Africa.

Harry Belafonte is best known for his landmark music collaboration, "We Are the World," which joined many musicians together and raised millions of dollars to help relieve famine in Ethiopia.

As an ambassador for UNICEF, Belafonte continues to defend the rights of children around the globe. His name is secured in musical history, thanks to his start from the GI Bill.

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