GATEKEEPERS OF TRUTH:

A TRIBUTE TO HARRY BELAFONTE

Background

Gatekeepers of Truth (GOT)  is a recurring, intergenerational speaker series created in tribute to the wisdom shared with a young Harry Belafonte by his mentor, Paul Robeson: “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice.” Through Gatekeepers of Truth, The Gathering for Justice invites people to explore the intersection of arts, culture and the movement for Black and Brown liberation. When we understand the ways that artists have used the power of their art to further the cause of civil rights and racial justice, it gives us inspiration for how to harness our creativity and energy to take it further. Like a relay race, our elders hand us the baton and with it, the wisdom they gained on their leg of the journey towards the beloved community. GOT programs have included Harry Belafonte in conversation with Carmen Perez-Jordan at his alma mater The New School, and Danny Glover in a virtual conversation with Ebro Darden.