Book Launch: “Becoming Belafonte, Black Artist, Public Radical”

Becoming Belafonte, Black Artist, Public Radical is a carefully navigated portrayal of Harry Belafonte’s life within the wider context of race relations in the entertainment industry. Through the new book by Judith E. Smith, readers get to know Belafonte, underneath the Day-Os, as “a champion of civil rights, Black pride, and Black power.” Smith will share her gentle observations at a book launch at The Octopus Literary Salon (2101 Webster St., Oakland) on Sat., July 9, at 5 p.m. Stick around or come back at 8 p.m. for an unconventional open mic, which will start with some improvised vocal and violin loops and culminate in mini duo improvisations aimed at “queering the performance space” by focusing on collaborative art-making and not individual performance. Whether you’re attending to listen or perform, stopping by for an hour or staying all night, the event will certainly activate your literary spirit.