Note
Notes: From SCLC Newsletter, Volume 1, No. 1, May 1961, page [4]
BENEFIT
Heading a cast of star performers,
Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Sidney
Potier, Mahalia Jackson, Count Basie,
Dean Martin, Jan Murray, Nipsey Russell,
George Kirby, Carmen McRae,
Ruth Brown, Sy Oliver, and many other
headline performers staged a benefit
for SCLC and "Tribute to Martin Luther
King, Jr." which grossed $53,000.00.
Under the sponsorship of A. Philip
Randolph, the Reverend Gardner C.
Taylor of Concord Baptist Church of
Brooklyn, New York, and Harry Belafonte,
the Committee to Aid the Southern
Freedom Struggle (New York group
of SCLC), organized and promoted
the benefit which took place at Carnegie
Hall in New York City. The night of
January 27, 1961, the auditorium,
famous for the great names which have
graced its stage was completely sold out.
Squads of extra police were detailed
to handle the huge crowd milling backstage
in an effort to catch a glimpse of
performers and notables.
A telegram from President John Kennedy
was read which congratulated the
Committee on its effort to aid the Southern
freedom struggle. He also stated
his determination to "make democracy
in this country, not only a name but a
reality".
Harry Belafonte, Sidney Potier [sic Poitier] and
many other celebrities are members of
the New York group.
During intermission Harry Belafonte
stated " . .. we are taking a stand for
what we believe is right, moral and
democratic ... "
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Original or Copy: Original
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2015-05-29
