Julie Robinson Belafonte, a dancer, actress, and activist who, alongside her husband, singer Harry Belafonte, used their high profiles to aid the civil rights movement and promote integration in the United States, passed away on March 9 in Los Angeles at the age of 95.
Born Julia Mary Robinson in 1928 in Manhattan, Ms. Belafonte had a diverse career in the arts, including dancing, choreography, teaching, acting, and documentary film production. She made history as the first white member of the renowned all-Black Katherine Dunham School of Dance in the mid-1940s and later toured the world with the Dunham dancers, breaking barriers and challenging racial segregation.
Ms. Belafonte met Harry Belafonte on the set of “Carmen Jones” in 1954, and their relationship faced intense scrutiny due to their interracial marriage, which was uncommon and controversial at the time. Despite facing racial animus and discrimination, the couple stood strong together, raising a family and using their platform to support civil rights causes.
Throughout their 50-year marriage, Ms. Belafonte played a pivotal role in her husband’s activism, organizing fundraisers for civil rights groups and participating in marches and events to promote equality and justice. She also pursued her own causes, including organizing a women’s march against the Vietnam War in 1968.
After the couple’s divorce in 2007, Ms. Belafonte continued to be a force for change, producing documentaries that highlighted African cultural heritage and traditions. She also took on the role of family matriarch, bringing together a diverse group of individuals and creating a welcoming and inclusive home environment.
Ms. Belafonte’s legacy lives on through her children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, who remember her as a trailblazer, activist, and compassionate individual who touched the lives of many. Her impact on the civil rights movement and her dedication to promoting integration will always be remembered and celebrated.
