In the gun game, we are the most hunted. The river of blood that washes the streets of our nation flows mostly from the bodies of our black children.
Harry BelafonteRead
Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s anchor. We are the compass for humanity’s conscience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists play a crucial role in revealing and preserving truth in society.
In this quote, Harry Belafonte emphasizes the vital role artists play in society as custodians of truth and moral guidance. He portrays artists as not just creators but essential figures who help uphold the values and conscience of humanity, serving as a guiding force for civilization.
Themes
ArtistsTruthCivilizationConscienceHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at an arts festival, I quoted Belafonte to highlight the role of creativity in social justice.
More from Harry Belafonte
All quotes →You can cage the singer but not the song.
Harry BelafonteRead
I've always been supportive of the right of Israel as a state, and I've always fought against anti-Semitism, even in my own community.
Harry BelafonteRead
Art in its highest form is art that serves and instructs society and human development.
Harry BelafonteRead
Anti-democracy...is a virus that exists, and pro-democracy is the antibody to that virus, and I think we have to become vigilant, and we have to stay on top of the issues of democracy and freedom.
Harry BelafonteRead
Children who have lost parents to HIV/AIDS are not only just as deserving of an education as any other children, but they may need that education even more. Being part of a school environment will prepare them for the future, while helping to remove the stigma and discrimination unfortunately associated with AIDS.
Harry BelafonteRead
Similar quotes
I'm not a really firm believer in theatre that is 'about anything.' I don't think theatre can be about anything other than the people who show up and the value that they hold.
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsRead
Hollywood is a very volatile place where artists come in, and they essentially say they want to belong. It's incredibly vulnerable to be an actor and also get criticism at a young age when you're formulating who you are. We've seen a lot of people fall victim to that, and it's very unfortunate.
Leonardo DicaprioRead
When you go out to paint, try to forget what objects you have before you - a tree, house, a field....Merely think, here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow, and paint it just as it looks to you, the exact color and shape, until it gives your own naive impression of the scene before you.
Claude MonetRead
It is your work in life that is the ultimate seduction.
Pablo PicassoRead
Storytellers all, we humans might run out of time even as we triumph over the problem of running out of space. But we will never run out of stories.
Tom JunodRead
I hear the singing of the lives of women. They clear mystery, the offering, and pride.
Muriel RukeyserRead