Julien's Auctions and TCM Present 'Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action' Auction
On March 6, 2025, an exciting event is set to take place in Los Angeles as Julien's Auctions teams up with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) for a unique auction titled,
'Harry Belafonte: A Man of Action.' This exclusive auction will pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte, an iconic figure known for his immense contributions to entertainment, humanitarianism, and civil rights advocacy over seven decades.
The auction will showcase nearly
400 important artifacts from Belafonte's remarkable career, which spans from the civil rights movements of the 1950s to contemporary human rights efforts. Items at the auction will include collectibles from various phases of his life, including memorabilia pertaining to the American Civil Rights Movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, anti-apartheid activism, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change.
Significant Auction Items
Among the highlighted items that will be up for bidding are:
- - A lead sheet from the famed charity song We Are the World that includes signatures from renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, and Lionel Richie, with a projected worth of $30,000 - $50,000.
- - Relics from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including a leather couch used at Belafonte's New York apartment and a signed letter from the 1964 Southern Christian Leadership Conference, estimated between $5,000 and $7,000.
- - Music-related items like a West African drum from the PBS special An Evening with Harry Belafonte & Friends valued at $300 - $500, and a gold record award from Belafonte's concert at Carnegie Hall.
- - A signed letter from President John F. Kennedy is expected to fetch between $3,000 and $5,000.
Additionally, memorabilia from social movements, artwork, books from friends, and numerous other artifacts that depict Belafonte's immense impact and influence over the years will be presented for the first time.
Special Screening and Panel Discussion
Prior to the auction, a special event will take place on February 19, 2025, featuring a screening of the documentary film
Following Harry, followed by a panel discussion. The panel will include notable personalities such as:
- - Susanne Rostock, the documentary’s director
- - Willie 'Prophet' Stiggers, CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
- - Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc
- - Legendary rapper Chuck D from Public Enemy, who will discuss Belafonte's indelible influence on the music industry and social movements.
This auction offers an incredible opportunity not just to collectors but also to admirers of Harry Belafonte's enduring legacy. Described as a champion of change, Belafonte used his celebrity status as a platform to draw attention to critical social issues and advocate for marginalized communities.
How to Participate
Whether you're attending the event live in Los Angeles or partaking online, this auction promises to be a memorable experience celebrating the life and impact of a true cultural icon. For more details on the auction items and how to bid, visit
juliensauctions.com.
In a world where entertainment and activism often intersect, this event serves as a heartfelt reminder of the profound role individuals like Harry Belafonte play in shaping society. His remarkable career and activism inspire generations, and this auction will reflect just that.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of history while honoring a remarkable legacy.
Save the date: March 6, 2025!