Los Angeles, CA – Artists, activists, and cultural leaders gathered Sunday, March 1 at the historic Chaplin Studios in Hollywood for the inaugural Sankofa.org Social Justice Awards, an evening celebrating art, activism, and the enduring legacy of legendary singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte.
Held on what would have been Belafonte’s 99th birthday, the fundraiser honored contemporary leaders whose work continues to challenge injustice and inspire change. The evening recognized civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, renowned visual artist Shepard Fairey, hip hop pioneer Chuck D, and actor and activist Danny Glover for their cultural and social impact. Guests experienced a uniquely immersive program guided through wireless headphones, with music curated by Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and conversations hosted alongside journalist and radio personality Dominique DiPrima. The intimate format blended music, storytelling, and dialogue throughout the evening.
The program opened with a Sankofa.org film presentation and a stirring choral performance from the Fernando Pullum Choir, setting a powerful tone for the night. Gina Belafonte, co founder and president of Sankofa.org, delivered remarks highlighting her father’s belief that artists play a critical role in advancing truth and justice. Throughout the evening, honorees were recognized for their contributions to art and activism. Shepard Fairey was celebrated for using visual art as a platform for political expression, while Dolores Huerta received a moving tribute honoring her decades of leadership in labor rights and social justice movements. Chuck D reflected on the role of hip hop as a voice for truth and transformation before accepting his award.
The night also featured performances and spoken word moments from Aloe Blacc, poet Monique Mitchell, and Iman Jordan, recipient of the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Grammy. Blacc delivered one of the evening’s most memorable moments, closing the program with a powerful rendition of “Not on My Watch” alongside Gina Belafonte and the Fernando Pullum Children’s Choir before returning for an encore performance of his global hit “Wake Me Up.”
Founded in 2013 by Harry Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, and Raoul Roach, Sankofa.org continues to mobilize artists and activists in support of grassroots movements and social justice initiatives. As the evening concluded inside Chaplin Studios, a venue deeply connected to Belafonte’s legacy, the message of the night was clear: the intersection of art and activism remains a powerful force for change.
