— On February 19 in Los Angeles, The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) joined forces with The Harry Belafonte Estate and Julien’s Auctions to present a celebration of the legacy of the late, great, legendary artist and activist Harry Belafonte.
As part of the celebration, BMAC announced the inaugural BMAC x Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, which will be presented at the annual BMAC Gala in September 2025 to a luminary using their platform for social change. This prestigious honor joins BMAC’s existing awards recognizing music industry icons: the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award and the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. The wife of the late Harry Belafonte, Pamela Belafonte, commented, “The legacy of Harry Belafonte lives on in all those using their voice to call for justice. The Harry Belafonte Estate is proud to partner with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) to announce the BMAC x Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award which will be presented annually at the BMAC Gala to an Artist, Executive, or Activist whose work pays honor to the iconic and legendary Harry Belafonte as a fellow warrior of justice.”
Hosted by Julien’s Auctions at the London Hotel in West Hollywood.
2/19/2025 West Hollywood., CA., USA
(Photo by Ted Soqui for Julien’s Auctions)
BMAC CEO & President, Prophet, added, “The Black Music Action Coalition is honored to collaborate with the estate and family of the late Harry Belafonte to rename our Change Agent Award to the BMAC x Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. This annual award pays tribute to Mr. Belafonte as he dedicated his life to using his talent, resources, and platform to combat systemic racism and inequality. He was a true freedom fighter, an inspiration, and a role model for the artists’ community, exemplifying the responsible use of their talents. As an organization, we will not only honor his legacy but also continue to strive to compel this nation to fulfill its promise and potential.”
The Coalition also announced the BMAC Harry Belafonte Grant, powered by Julien’s Auctions. This grant will provide financial support and mentorship to a young activist using their voice to create positive change.
Hosted by Julien’s Auctions at the London Hotel in West Hollywood.
2/19/2025 West Hollywood., CA., USA
(Photo by Ted Soqui for Julien’s Auctions)
[See our full gallery of photos from the event below!]
As part of the tribute, the evening featured a screening of Following Harry, a documentary showcasing the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte — an iconic entertainer and activist who reshaped history through his unwavering fight for justice. Guests also enjoyed an exclusive preview of Belafonte’s historical archive, which will be presented to the public for the first time in the upcoming Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action auction, taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, live at Julien’s Studios in Los Angeles and online at the official Julien’s Auctions website.
Hosted by Julien’s Auctions at the London Hotel in West Hollywood.
2/19/2025 West Hollywood., CA., USA
(Photo by Ted Soqui for Julien’s Auctions)
Following the screening, BMAC brought together cultural leaders and changemakers for a discussion around the necessity to continue the work for justice in the United States, including CEO and President, Black Music Action Coalition Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, artists and activists Chuck D and Aloe Blacc, CEO of The Gathering for Justice and activist Carmen Perez, and Following Harry director Susanne Rostock.
The panelists shared heartfelt reflections on Harry Belafonte’s profound impact on both the arts and the civil rights movement, as well as their own efforts in social justice. Their candid discussion honored Belafonte’s legacy while sparking meaningful dialogue on the intersection of culture and activism. The evening served as a powerful tribute to the enduring influence of artists as agents of change, celebrating Belafonte’s lasting contributions to culture, social justice, and the arts.
