Belafonte was King’s connect to Hollywood star power
As any sociologist or communications personnel would tell you, the ability of celebrities to compel the general public to your cause is even measurable.
The civil rights struggle needed Hollywood, and this is something that was never lost on King – so he cherished his friendship with Belafonte.
To civil rights marches, Belafonte was able to bring along names such as Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Burt Lancaster and Charlton Heston.
