Remembered

all of the many lives around the world who were touched by his work. Our thoughts and prayers are with all in mourning during this time. May he rest in peace.”

Whoopi Goldberg via The View: "He fought so hard to make sure people had the chances they deserved as Americans."

He had swagger back then! And he could slay you with swagger and words!

While I can talk about all of the degrees he’s attained and the countless hours of research and studying; there’s so much more I can talk about when extolling the virtues of Dr. Haynes.

Now this is not to discount those degrees at all. He has earned the letters that appear in front of and behind his name.

Of the utmost importance has to be his heart, however. Which brings me to my truth.

As a child I liked going to school for “Show and Tell.”

I still remember one of my teachers, Mrs. Meisel, who always said, “I’m from Missouri, the show me state, so you have

Belafonte's music was a unique fusion of different cultures and his voice had a quality that was instantly recognizable and had the ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners. His songs were not just a form of entertainment but a tool to promote social change.

His commitment to social justice was unwavering throughout his life. He used his platform to highlight the issues of the day, from the fight against apartheid in South Africa to the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

He worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, using his fame to amplify their message and bring attention to their cause.

In his passing, the world mourns the loss of a true legend while also celebrating the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte, a man who used his talent and his voice to make a difference in the world.

Barack Obama via Twitter: love to his wife, kids, and fans.”

Colin Kaepernick via Twitter: “Thank you, Mr. B, for all of your years of mentorship, guidance, & lifetime of activism fighting for a better future for all of us. You will be missed by many, but your memory & impact live on. Rest in Power.

“Movements don't die, because struggle doesn't die.”

-Harry Belafonte”

“We thank him for his dedicated activism and forging a path to a better world. He is remembered by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and

Stephanie Mills via Facebook: “We have lost a true hero, legend, brilliant leader who wasn’t afraid to sacrifice it all for his people. Yes he was more than a actor (sic) and singer. He was a trailblazer and fighter for justice. Mr. #harrybelafonte I will always love you for how you loved us. Rest Well! Job well done “Day-o, day-o Daylight come and we want go home Day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day, is a day-o Daylight come and we want go home”

Dr. Bernice King (daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King) via Twitter: “When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways. In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”

Dr. Ben Chavis, NNPA: The lifelong commitment, courage, global leadership, and legacy of The Honorable Harry Belafonte will always be cherished and remembered by billions of people throughout the world. Belafonte was a gifted, talented and transformative freedom fighter for all of humanity. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes the memory of Harry Belafonte and recommits to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality that Belafonte so boldly epitomized and embodied.

Ruth Laverne Wells Wyrick was a native Texan who traced her heritage in the Lone Star State back more than four generations. She hailed from Waco, Texas, and attended the segregated A. J. Moore High School with her only brother, Roosevelt Wells. After graduating from Southwestern Christian College (SwCC) in Terrell, she relocated to Dallas where she met and married Ernest “Deacon” Wyrick, also an SwCC alumnus.

She and Deacon had two children, Narleski and Natesha (Shay), who attended private elementary and high schools because Ruth was a firm believer in Christian education. Even in her circles of faith, she was willing to push for change. That led her to enroll Narleski in Dallas Christian School in 1968 as the school’s first Black student. When the school moved out of the city, she joined other parents in establishing Christian Academy of Oak Cliff where she joined the Parent Teacher Organization and the Ladies Auxiliary for Christian Education.

Ruth and Deacon were faithful members of Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Cliff. She always found time and energy to devote to the work of the church. A few of those activities included teaching Bible class, volunteering as a youth counselor, and serving as a prayer partner for any member. She