Harry Belafonte Wins NAACP's Springarn Medal

February 1, 2013 marks the arrival of Black History Month 2013 and the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards. This year's awards show was  televised live on NBC and hosted by Blessings, himself, Steve Harvey (inside joke for SHMS listeners). The big winner of the night was Harry Belafonte, who was presented the Springarn Medal by longtime friend and fellow actor, Sidney Poitier. Since 1915, the Springarn Medal has been presented to an American of African decent who has exhibited the highest achievement in their chosen field.  Belafonte is an American singer, songwriter, actor and social activist.  Belafonte's career took off with the film Carmen Jones (1954). Soon after, he had several hits—"The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" and "Jamaica Farewell."  Throughout his career he has been an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes.  Despite the injustices that Belafonte has seen around the world, he still believes in man's basic humanity,  and has dedicated his life to making the world better for its children.