He was a voice that resonated across continents, a face that graced screens big and small, and a spirit that dared to challenge the status quo. Harry Belafonte wasn't just a star; he was a force. Now, Julien's Auctions, in partnership with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is offering an unprecedented glimpse into the life and legacy of this remarkable man with "Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action," an exclusive auction event set for March 6, 2025.

This auction is a journey through a life lived at the epicenter of some of the 20th and 21st century's most defining moments. Nearly 400 artifacts, meticulously curated from Belafonte's personal collection, will tell the story of a man who used his fame not for self-aggrandizement, but as a platform for profound social change.

Ahead of the auction, a special screening of Susanne Rostock’s acclaimed documentary Following Harry, followed by an engaging panel will take place on February 19th in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).

Belafonte's rise to fame was meteoric. In the 1950s, his infectious calypso rhythms, epitomized by the iconic "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," captivated a nation, making Calypso the first album by a single artist to sell over a million copies. He conquered Hollywood, too, breaking barriers as one of the first Black matinee idols with roles in films like Carmen Jones and Island in the Sun. But Belafonte's ambitions transcended entertainment.

Inspired by his mentor, the legendary Paul Robeson, Belafonte became a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He wasn't just a celebrity supporter; he was a strategist, a shoulder-to-shoulder confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a tireless fundraiser. The auction offers deeply personal glimpses into this crucial period: a Chesterfield leather sofa, a fixture in Belafonte's New York apartment, where he and Dr. King strategized late into the night; a signed 1964 letter from Dr. King regarding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; and even a photograph of Dr. King that hung in Belafonte's office, a constant reminder of the fight for equality.

The lots extend far beyond the Civil Rights era, reflecting Belafonte's lifelong commitment to global justice. He was also involved in the anti-apartheid movement, working alongside Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. Then, there's the lead sheet for "We Are the World," the anthem that raised millions for famine relief, signed by a constellation of music icons including Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, and Cyndi Lauper. Also offered is his 1986 American Music Award for initiating the project — proof of his ability to galvanize the entertainment industry for a cause. Also, up for bid is a “Trayvon” [Martin] hooded sweatshirt, a poignant symbol of Belafonte's continued activism in the 21st century.

Additionally, the auction also reveals the personal side of this public figure. Stage-played talking drums speak to his musical genius. A West African drum from his 1997 PBS special "An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Friends," hints at the joy he found in performance. And then there are the intimate connections with fellow artists and activists: a bronze portrait bust sculpted by Tony Bennett, a first-edition of Walter Mosley's Six Easy Pieces inscribed to Belafonte, a signed copy of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk, and a letter from President John F. Kennedy. These items aren't just collectibles; they're tangible representations of friendships, collaborations, and shared dreams.

Belafonte's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including two Grammys, a Tony, an Emmy, a 1989 Kennedy Center Honor, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, demonstrating the impact that Harry Belafonte had in multiple art forms – including his 1960 Gold Record Award for "Belafonte at Carnegie Hall" and his 2012 "My Song" NAACP Image Award.

"This unprecedented auction gives you a front row seat to the remarkable story of this extraordinary artist, actor, and activist,” said Catherine Williamson, Managing Director, Entertainment of Julien’s Auctions. “[It's] a collection of cherished objects that speak to Harry Belafonte’s enormous contributions to the arts and the improvement of the human condition.”

"Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action" validates the power of art to inspire change, and serves as a reminder that one voice, amplified by courage and conviction, can truly resonate across the world. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, a piece of a legacy that continues to inspire. 

Be involved in the essence of the moment. Mark your calendars for March 6, 2025 – and register and bid now for this is an event of a lifetime celebrating Harry Belafonte, the entertainer, the activist, the humanitarian – taking place live in Los Angeles, and online.