Belafonte honored at Indiana Black Expo - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Aurora, Colorado tragedy was on the forefront of the minds of some well-known honorees attending the Indiana Black Expo Friday.

Harry Belafonte, an acclaimed entertainer and international activist and actress Pam Grier, who says she was awakened at 5 a.m. by family members who live in Aurora.

"I'm a little shaken because of what happened last night in Aurora, Colorado," said Actress Pam Grier, barraged by the flicker of dozens of camera flashes.

Grier, most known for her role as "Foxy Brown" has played the heroine on the big screen, but was still a bit shaken by the real violent drama that played out miles from her farm outside of Denver.

"My sister lives in Aurora and all of our kids like Batman and we go to those midnight openings. Aurora is a wonderful, multi-cultural community. Progressive, very modern, very family-oriented, so my prayers go out to them today," she said before talking about her efforts to plant urban gardens.

Now 63, Grier accepted a screen image award Friday afternoon at the Indiana Black Expo, along with legendary entertainer and human rights activist Harry Belafonte. Belafonte was honored as a living legend for his work here at home and overseas.

"It validates me. All the things which I've done throughout my life," he said with an easy smile.

The 85-year-old told Eyewitness News he was saddened as well by the shootings in the theatre in Colorado.

"What happened in Denver is, unfortunately, not unusual, and here in America, where we have so much to work with, that we should be so prone to violence and to take human life. It's a great tragedy," he said.

Belafonte echoed those sentiments to hundreds at the annual Summer Celebration corporate luncheon a short time later, where he referred to a theme from one of his last conversations with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Using King's words, he warned that America was "integrating into a burning house." He says the country can't be consumed with greed, but must address troubling social issues that lead to death.

"Violence and murder is endless and I'm wondering when the American people and the leaders of this nation will come to the realization that we have got to have this stop, by whatever means necessary," Belafonte said.

Belafonte says the increasing number of guns on the street is a good place for lawmakers to start addressing violence.

He says work in human and civil rights is a great burden and must continue. This weekend, he says he's very pleased to be in Indianapolis, where his efforts are being celebrated.

Others honored at Black Expo were Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin Jr. (Light of the World Christian Church) and Tim and Tanya Harris of Turning Point Family Ministries.