Supporters
Harry Belafonte Joins Effort to Ensure a Bright Future for Mount Vernon Youth
The Board of Directors of the Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt Vernon is proud to announce the legendary Harry Belafonte has agreed to support our efforts to create a brighter future for the youth of Mount Vernon. Known globally for his work as a singer, songwriter and actor, Mr. Belafonte has received three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and a Tony Award for his work on stage and in the theatre. As the “King of Calypso”, Belafonte is credited with bringing Caribbean music to worldwide
popularity.
In addition to his numerous artistic contributions, Belafonte is a fervent social activist and important figure in the civil rights movement. Walking closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Belafonte helped garner critical support and funding to fuel the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He continues to fight for justice today.
Belafonte’s humanitarian work includes supporting the anti-Apartheid movement, combating AIDS in Africa, promoting prostate cancer awareness, and tackling many other difficult and important issues. Belafonte currently serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a position he has held since 1987.
Belafonte has graciously committed to support the Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt Vernon. He supports the mission to create programs essential to the advancement of at-risk minority populations and the success of our nation as a whole.
“Each of us has the power and capacity to make a difference,” says Belafonte, “whether on the world stage or in our own local communities.” Supporting the children of Mount Vernon is a critical step in supporting at-risk minority youth nationwide. The Board is hopeful others will be inspired by Mr. Belafonte’s example and support the campaign by giving their time, talent or treasure to the Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt Vernon.
For many reasons, public school children of Mount Vernon are falling behind at an alarming rate. Evidence suggests they are not prepared for participation in our global economy, especially regarding STEM-based subject matter.
The Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt Vernon will ensure Mount Vernon public school students have access to state-of-the art science and technology resources that prepare them for careers as teachers, scientists, computer technologists, doctors and engineers. It will produce transformative change for Mount Vernon children as well as cultural and economic change for the city and region.
For more information or to support this critical educational resource, contact Gerald Dennis, Campaign Director, at 914.888.7556 or gdennis@nssa-mv.org.