Entertainment
New York Public Library Acquires Personal Archive of Harry Belafonte

The New York Public Library‘s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has announced that it has acquired the personal archive of civil rights activist, entertainer, and producer Harry Belafonte.
Acquired with support from the Andrew W. Mellon, Ford, and Open Society foundations, Danny and Manizeh Rimer, and the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, the collection includes four hundred linear feet of audiovisual materials, personal and professional papers, television scripts, and photo albums chronicling the entertainer’s life, activism, and career, from 1949 to the present. Highlights of the collection include Belafonte’s first recording, a 1949 acetate pressing that contains “Lean On Me”; scrapbooks of his press coverage from the 1940s, including performances in the Schomburg Center’s American Negro Theatre; papers and notes documenting his efforts in support of the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King, Jr., including the 1963 March on Washington; scripts of movies produced by and starring Belafonte; and cue cards with the lyrics of “We Are the World,” the signature celebrity charity effort of the 1980s, which Belafonte inspired and produced. Processing of the collection will be expedited, and items will be available to researchers in approximately fifteen months.
Belafonte has a longtime connection to the Schomburg Center and the New York Public Library, which in 2017 named its 115th Street branch after him.
“It is with great honor that I can announce Harry Belafonte’s return home to Harlem,” said Schomburg Center director Kevin Young. “This collection testifies to Belafonte’s unprecedented, over seventy-year public journey across black life and American life as a whole, starting with his time in the American Negro Theatre, which began in the basement of the Schomburg Center….Belafonte’s range is on view in this previously unseen material, from musician to movie producer, actor, to activist. His massive collection of clippings, music, and letters provides a great source to educate people of all ages about the importance of black life and its cultural contributions to American history — from the U.S. civil rights movement, the global human rights struggle, popular music, the history of African-American theater, television, and cinema, and American entertainment. As the New York Public Library celebrates its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary and the Schomburg Center marks its ninety-fifth, the addition of Belafonte’s materials will help to continue the enrichment and education of the community for generations to come.”
“The Schomburg library in Harlem is one of the greatest gifts our city has bestowed on our community,” said Belafonte, who recently celebrated his ninety-third birthday. “It is deeply moving that this destination so critical to my life and well-being, from the days of my youth until now, should be the repository for much of my life’s work. I am honored.”
“Schomburg Center Acquires American Icon Harry Belafonte’s Extensive Personal Archive.” New York Public Library Press Release 03/13/2020.
Black Life Texas
Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Golden Anniversary at National Battle of the Bands

The 2023 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is turning up the heat to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The event organizers announced an all-star lineup featuring Doug E. Fresh, aka “Human Beat Box,” Slim Thug, Choppa, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, DJ Mr. Rogers, and a special artist announcement on August 26. These artists will join the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) marching bands for an unforgettable musical experience.
The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated nearly $1 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.
Recognized as the annual kickoff to the fall marching band season, NBOTB spotlights hip-hop legends shaping the genre’s rich history. The special anniversary celebration seeks to pay tribute to the cultural impact of hip-hop, intertwining with the spirit and soul of HBCU marching bands.
“The 50th anniversary of hip-hop is a significant milestone in our musical heritage,” said Derek Webber, executive producer and creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We’re ecstatic to bring together the vibrant energy of HBCU bands with hip-hop pioneers, creating a unique synergy that honors the past and fuels the future. This year’s lineup symbolizes the unbreakable bond between music, culture, and education.”
The rich history of HBCUs extends beyond academia to a thriving tradition of soulful marching bands and community activism. Their performances are not just about the music but also the movement, passion, and creativity that resonate with the essence of hip-hop. This shared heritage makes celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at NBOTB a momentous occasion in American culture.
For more details, including tickets and official event information, visit (NationalBattleOfTheBands.com) or follow.
Black Life Texas
Black in Gaming

The fast-paced gaming world will hit American movie theaters on Aug. 25 via the Sony movie “Gran Turismo.” The film is loosely based on the true story of gamer Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe), a mixed-race teenager who becomes a real-life race car driver.
In 2011, Mardenborough became the third and youngest winner of the GT Academy competition, beating 90,000 entrants. Sony PlayStation used the Academy to help racing gamers become professional drivers.
Though his success is far and few between for Black gamers. Research shows that Black people make up a staggering 2% of the video game industry, and only 11% of Black characters are featured as the central player outside of athletes in sports games.
The nonprofit Black in Gaming Foundation is dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals in the video game industry. By actively working on creating opportunities for Black people in the video game industry, BIG also develops action plans to combat systemic institutionalized racism that manifests itself in unsafe spaces, microaggressions, and hidden discrimination in the workplace.
Also, soft-drink company Mountain Dew (MTN Dew) is doing its fair share to uplift minorities in Esports. The company is bringing back the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge in 2023, which focuses on promoting representation in Esports and gaming and supporting HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) student gamers.
MTN Dew is teaming up with Cxmmunity Media, a champion of diversity and equity in gaming and creators of the HBCU Esports League. The Real Change Challenge will be open to all current HBCU students. Contestants will compete for a share of the $500,000 prize pool, coaching, and exposure to esports professionals. The tournament will kick off in October, with sign-ups open to all current HBCU students through Sept. 8 at (HBCUESports.co/RealChange).
Black Life Texas
Black Weekend is Here!

The tax-free weekend is not only the best time to go shopping but THE prime time to socialize, network, and get involved in the community that we like to call Black Weekend.
Kicking off Black Weekend on Friday, Aug. 11, is the first annual Purchase Hire Black expo presented by Avista Products at the Freeman Expo Hall near the AT&T Center from 2 pm to 8 pm. The free expo is a great way to recognize Black Business Month as a way to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. Later that night, check out famed jazz musician Najee, who will perform on Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm at the Buena Vista Theater downtown. He is a part of the 2023 jazz series dubbed “Jazz on the Water by Land & by Sea,” presented by Foster Perry Travel.
Then on Saturday, head over to the Renaissance with the Stars on Aug. 12 at the Tobin Center starting at 5 pm. This annual fundraiser supports the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund, which is a part of the San Antonio Area Foundation. This year’s dancers are Kit Mason, Jon Coker, Jacob Valenzuela, Juan Antonio Flores, George A. Williams, and Ryan Lugalia-Hollon.
After the Renaissance with the Stars, people can head to the 14th Annual All White Martini Party on Aug. 12, sponsored by Psi Alpha Scholarship Foundation, Inc., at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from 8 pm to 2 am.
And then, on Sunday, Aug. 13, choose between two soulful brunches or hit both starting at 9 am with Tony G’s Soul Food at its Soulful Brunch featuring Southern favorites until 4 pm. Or, check out the R&B Brunch Bash on that same day from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Upstage Comedy Lounge presented by the Brunch Boss & Young Black San Antonio.
And if you have a little energy left from Friday, bowl for a good cause. The Obadiah Jo’el McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Bowl-A-Thon starts at 2 pm at Banderal Bow. This event provides academic scholarships to high school seniors and includes awareness about organ donation.
To learn more about all these events, visit (www.Weekend.Black).
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