Calypso legend and social activist Harry Belafonte. Associated Press /Steffi Loos/
File
Caribbean Life, March 11-17, 2022 3
By Nelson A. King
In response to President Joe Biden’s
announcement on Tuesday that the
United States will ban imports of Russian
oil, natural gas and coal, New York
Attorney, Letitia James warned oil companies
and gas stations that price gouging
is illegal and reminded New Yorkers
to be on alert for potential price gouging
of fuel.
“Russia is one of the world’s largest
producers of energy, and, as a result of
these sanctions, New Yorkers should
prepare for continued market disruptions,
potentially inflated prices at the
pump, and ensure that they know their
rights,” James said.
“New York law prohibits sellers of
fuel and other vital and necessary goods
from charging unconscionably excessive
prices during an abnormal market disruption,
including disruptions caused by
world conflicts,” she added. “New York
consumers who experience dramatic
increases in the price of gasoline or
fuel should report these incidents to the
Office of the Attorney General (OAG).”
The New York attorney general said
Biden is taking “critical and necessary
action to hold Russia accountable
for this unprovoked invasion that has
claimed thousands of Ukrainian lives.
“This newest round of sanctions could
impact New Yorkers, so we are reminding
companies that price gouging is illegal
and ensuring that consumers take
precautions to protect themselves and
their wallets,” she stressed. “Anyone who
has experienced issues relating the price
gouging of fuel should contact my office,
and we will continue to do everything in
our power to protect consumers.”
When reporting price gouging to
OAG, James said consumers should:
Report the specific increased prices,
the dates and places that they saw the
increased prices, and the types of fuel
being sold; provide copies of their sales
receipts and photos of the advertised
prices, if available; and buy only as much
fuel as they need and not to stock up out
of fear of a potential future shortage.
By Vinette K. Pryce
A star-studded, red carpet parade
of celebrities fashioned styles and elegance
on March 1 in order to pay tribute
to international actorvist Harry Belafonte
whose 95th birthday anniversary
coincided with the inaugural presentation
of a social justice award named in
his honor.
Actors Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg,
Spike Lee, Malik Yoba, Alfre
Woodard, musicians Lenny Kravitz,
Sweet Honey in the Rock, Q-Tip,
Doug E. Fresh, Alicia Keys, activist Al
Sharpton, Gina Belafonte and other
prominent individuals walked the route
media and spectators often assemble to
gawk prior to a fundraising ceremony
held at Manhattan’s Town Hall.
There, the honoree’s daughter spoke
with reporters about her Sankofa.org
which sponsored the fundraising event
and also marked a decade of activism.
She explained the significance of
her father’s birthday tribute but also
detailed the evening’s launch of the
Harry Belafonte Social Justice Awards.
Founded by Belafonte, the organization’s
mission is to “enlist the support of
celebrated artists and influential individuals
in collaboration with grassroots
partners to elevate the voices of the disfranchised
and promote justice, peace
and equality.”
She announced that in keeping with
that mission, presentations would be
made to Angela Davis, Dr. Cornel West,
Rashad Robinson, Kimberle Crenshaw,
Darren Waller, Hank Willis Thomas,
Congresswoman Barbara Lee and
former Attorney General Eric Holder.
Members of the Bronx-based Jamaica
Progressive League showed up in numbers
to salute the milestone anniversary
of Jamaica’s native son and also endorse
the humanitarian causes the organization
represents.
Simultaneous to the gala, Jamaica’s
Prime Minister Andrew Holness
announced that in conjunction with
this year’s 60th anniversary of independence,
a highway on the island will
be named to honor the celebrated actor
and humanitarian.
“As we celebrate with Harry Belafonte,
his 95 years, the government
and people of Jamaica…in this our
60th year of independence will name
one of our highways after our titan,
in his honor and in recognition of the
long road to freedom Harry Belafonte
has traversed on behalf of our people,”
Prime Minister Holness said.
The leader added that Belafonte “is
an icon whose pristine voice, soaring
melodies and music on the global
stage, magically matched the rhythm
and power of his stride in the march
for equal rights, justice and empowerment.”
Revered for his sincere, consistent
loyalty and dedication to Jamaica, during
the Jamerican Film Festival hosted
by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph he was
described in planetary terms.
Harry Belafonte is ‘more than a star,
he’s a galaxy.’
Born in Harlem, Belafonte has always
hailed the island his mother Melvine
was born. Belafonte lived there during
his youth and became an unofficial
ambassador when he recorded “Jamaica
Farewell” a song popularly embraced by
its repetitive “Day-O” chorus.
His recordings of that breakthrough
song and other lilting island melodies,
dubbed him the King of Calypso and a
champion of the Caribbean.
Although an accomplished singer,
actor and movie star, in his early years
Belafonte stepped out of his comfort
zone to align with causes steered by
Civil Rights activists Nelson Mandela,
Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Manley,
Miriam Makeba, Stokely Carmichael
(Sekou Toure) and others.
In his pursuit of equity for all he not
only donated funds to promote their
ideals but coalesced with Hollywood
notables to promote racial harmony,
fairness and social justice.
More than 70 years has passed since
Belafonte first began advocating for
the voiceless. His legacy abounds as a
storied example his fans continue to
admire.
Others who paid tribute to the legendary
personality included journalist
Amy Goodman, John Legend, Michael
Moore, Jesse Williams, Bill T. Jones Aloe
Blacc and the Belafonte Alumni Band.
On March 1, Winston Rodney aka
Burning Spear also celebrated his
birthday anniversary. The date marked
his 77th.
New York State Attorney General,
Letitia James. REUTERS/Brendan
McDermid, File
A galaxy of stars shine Harry
Belafonte’s 95th birthday
AG warns of
price gouging
of fuel
Doug E. Fresh attends the Harry
Belafonte HB95 benefi t tribute, in
honor of the 95th birthday of the
singer, songwriter, activist and actor,
at Town Hall on Tuesday, March
1, 2022, in New York. Jason Mendez/
Invision/Associated Press
/Sankofa.org
