The event is tied to a celebration of the 350th anniversary of Newark.
NEWARK -- Famed singer and activist Harry Belafonte will headline an event Thursday night that kicks off a weekend of celebrations meant to honor both Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 350th anniversary of the founding of the city of Newark.
The 28th annual "Sing in Praise of King" at Newark Symphony Hall Thursday night will feature Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Belafonte as keynote speaker. The event has been added to a long list meant to commemorate the historic city anniversary that has been dubbed "Newark Celebration 350."
Celebration of Newark's 350th anniversary will be as diverse as city's history, future
In a statement on the event, Baraka said he was "humbled" to welcome Belafonte, a New York native, to the city.
Ras Baraka at the kickoff to the yearlong Newark Celebration 350. (Courtesy NC 350)"For decades, Harry Belafonte has been one of America's and the world's great entertainers, artists, civil rights activists, and humanitarians," Baraka said.
"Many recall his close friendship with Dr. King and the role that he played in galvanizing other artists during the Civil Rights Era...He continues to encourage those in the entertainment industry to work with communities to achieve social change."
In conjunction with NC 350, the city is hosting a handful of other events over the long weekend to honor King, including a Dance Theater of Harlem performance at NJPAC Friday and "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day" at the Newark Museum Saturday, the group announced.
NC 350 has so far announced hundreds of events happening this year, and has solicited ideas from Newark residents to plan for more. Committee members have called the anniversary a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to celebrate the city's past, present and future. Events range from free Devils games and live shows to a new opera and film festival.
"This development is a major part of our efforts to attract residents, business, and visitors to Newark," Baraka said.
"This is a time for all of Newark's private and public communities to join together, a time for Newark's diaspora to return to its roots, and a time for our entire city to celebrate."
See a full list of NC 350 events here.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
