Harry Belafonte was ‘a major influence’ on his Chicago friends, they fondly recall

Harry Belafonte spoke at St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago and became close friends with its pastor, Rev. Michael Pfleger. (Sun-Times Media file photo)

Harry Belafonte, the legendary performer and civil rights activist who died at 96 in New York on Tuesday, frequently visited St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago and became close friends with its pastor, Rev. Michael Pfleger, who fondly remembers their talks about civil rights and activism.

“He’s had a major influence on who I am today,” the priest said.  “We spent so much time together.”