A portion of 135th Street in Harlem will soon be renamed in honor of civil rights activist Harry Belafonte.

The renaming honors Belafonte’s deep connection to Harlem, where his work both on and off the screen continues to inspire new generations to come.

Belafonte, born and raised in Harlem, worked his way to becoming successful in the music and film industry. After dropping out of George Washington High School to serve in the Navy, he returned to New York City and worked as a janitor’s assistant.

It was on 135th Street that Belafonte realized what he was destined to do. At work, he was given tickets to the American Negro Theatre (ANT), which was located where the current Schomburg Center resides.

After the show, he knew that theatre was his calling.

Belafonte’s film career took off w

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