A message from the President & CEO

Harry Belafonte and Common, featured on this month's cover, are two multitalented and conscientious entertainers who have made their marks in the world by appealing to two distinctively different segments of the population. One is an 80-year-old, smooth-voiced, Calypso singer/crooner and actor; the other is a hip-hopper/rapper and actor who happens to be 45 years younger than his counterpart. But as unlikely as it may seem, there is a sameness between the two that manifests itself in their continued activism that's focused on improving the human condition, particularly that of the poor and disenfranchised.

Their long-standing commitment to enrich the lives of the needy paints a clear and impressive picture of the depth and character of each man. For example, during the Civil Rights Movement, Belafonte wasn't one of those celebrities who stood on the sidelines. In fact, he was at the forefront with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders during many of the defining moments of the struggle. When King marched in the face of hardened racists, water hoses and snarling dogs, Belafonte was there. When King was jailed in Birmingham, Belafonte was there to bail him out, and he raised thousands of dollars to release other imprisoned protesters. When it was time to organize the historic March on Washington in 1963, Belafonte, the same man who had financed Freedom Rides, was there.

Further, Belafonte helped initiate the star-studded "We Are The World" collaboration that raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia, which focused worldwide attention on the humanitarian crises in Africa. Today, the actor who starred in such movies as Carmen Jones and Buck and the Preacher continues to be one of the most outspoken critics of the Bush administration and U.S. foreign policy. To put it all into perspective, Belafonte explains his actions this way: "My social and political interests are part of my career. I cannot separate them."

On the other hand, Common has impressive humanitarian credentials of his own. The Grammy-nominated musician, who is part of the "Knowing Is Beautiful" campaign that supports HIV/AIDS awareness, continues to work closely with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to empower youth. Through conversation and hands-on effort, he encourages adolescents to become responsible adults, specifically citing the importance of financial empowerment and involvement in the political process. In addition, the co-star of the movie Smokin' Aces was among the hip-hop leaders who helped organize the "Millions More Movement," which focused on Black and poor families around the country. "I always looked at hip-hop as a vehicle to educate, to enlighten, to inspire" Common says. "If we [hip-hoppers and rappers] make money at the music game, we can contribute to our communities, create jobs in our communities and really help make a difference."

Both Common and Belafonte have made a significant difference. In a New York studio, we brought the two men together for a photo session and a one-of-a-kind, one-on-one conversation that was facilitated by senior editor Joy T. Bennett. The rapid and wide-ranging exchange of ideas between the two (beginning on Page 168) was enthralling, surprising and educational, and their parallel interests and concerns represent a sterling example that--contrary to popular belief--the generation gap might not be as wide as some of us think it is.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning