Harry Belafonte to receive 2014 Living Legend Award today from Museum of African American History

The Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket, is pleased to announce that Harry Belafonte, performing arts pioneer and champion for humanitarian causes around the world, will receive a 2014 Living Legend Award and address journalists during a press conference at the Four Season’s Hotel Boston on Friday, March 7, 2014.

Mr. Belafonte will meet with press at 6:00pm and take questions about his life as an actor, singer, songwriter, and activist, and share what it means to be given the Museum’s Living Legend honor. Although the Garrison Silver Cup will not be presented until the Awards Ceremony begins at 7:00pm, Mr. Belafonte will speak to the value of receiving this award, a replica of the symbol of freedom presented by Boston’s black leaders to abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison in 1833.

The Honorable Thomas M. Menino, longest serving mayor of New England’s largest city, also will be recognized for his outstanding service to Boston along with the Honorable Margaret Burnham, civil rights lawyer, educator, activist, and first woman to serve in the Massachusetts judiciary. Among previous honorees are Ossie Davis, Cicely Tyson, Senator Edward Brooke, and Governor Deval Patrick.

Guests confirmed to attend the Living Legends Awards Gala this year include Mayor Martin Walsh; two of Garrison’s great grandchildren, Frank and Edith; and Suffolk University President James McCarthy.