Last night, The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills played host to an extraordinary evening, a celebration of Harry Belafonte's remarkable life and enduring legacy. The event, centered around a screening of Susanne Rostock's documentary "Following Harry," offered attendees much more than a simple film viewing; it was an immersive experience, a journey through the art, activism, and profound impact of a true icon.

The evening commenced with an exclusive preview of select items from Harry Belafonte's personal collection, each up for bid in our Julien's and TCM "Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action" auction taking place on March 6, 2025, live and online at 10 AM PST. These artifacts, imbued with the presence of a life lived with passion and purpose, provided a tangible connection to Belafonte's journey, from his groundbreaking artistic contributions to his unwavering commitment to social justice. David Goodman, CEO of Julien's Auctions, was also on hand to share insights into Belafonte’s legacy and collection, adding another layer of depth to the experience.

Following the documentary, a dynamic and insightful panel discussion took center stage. Susanne Rostock, the acclaimed director of "Following Harry," shared her personal journey in creating the film and offered poignant reflections on Belafonte's influence. Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, President & CEO of BMAC (Black Music Action Coalition), eloquently articulated the importance of carrying the torch of activism, fighting for equality and justice within the music industry and beyond. Hip-hop icon Chuck D, founding member of Public Enemy, brought his signature energy and perspective, emphasizing the power of art to challenge the status quo and inspire social change. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, whose music embodies the spirit of conscious artistry, spoke to the profound impact of Belafonte's legacy on his own creative path.

All photos courtesy of Ted Soqui Photography

The conversation was electric, fueled by a shared passion for social change and artistic expression. The panelists – each a force in their own right – offered unique perspectives on Belafonte's influence, sparking a dialogue that resonated deeply with the audience. The room buzzed with excitement with attendees embodying the energy of Belafonte’s powerful messages.

The star-studded affair drew notable figures from across the entertainment and activist landscape. With global activist Carmen Perez adding her unique perspective to the overall conversation, and actor Gary Dourdan also among the attendees – the exclusive screening event produced a sense of community and shared purpose that permeated through the evening. Together, the organizing collective created a gathering of like-minded individuals, united in their admiration for Belafonte and their commitment to making a difference in the world.

This event was much more than just a screening; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to art, activism, and social justice. Still, the night served as a reminder of the power of film, music, and dialogue to inspire change and ignite the human spirit – and presented itself as a true testament to Harry Belafonte's legacy anchored by a generation-altering regime of activists and public speakers who raise their voices for good.

All photos courtesy of Ted Soqui Photography

We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners who made this remarkable event possible. A special thank you to The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills for hosting us and providing such an elegant and accommodating venue. Their support was instrumental in creating such a memorable and impactful evening. Finally, we express our sincere appreciation to Susan Rostock, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Chuck D, Aloe Blacc, Carmen Perez, Gary Dourdan, and all the attendees who contributed to the evening's vibrant energy and meaningful dialogue.

This was truly a night to remember, a testament to the enduring power of art and activism. Register and bid now in our Julien's and TCM "Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action" auction taking place on March 6, 2025, live and online at 10 AM PST.