Persons this week -Harry Belafonte and Serena Williams
Harry Belafonte to receive honorary humanitarian Oscar
Oscar organizers declared that they will give a esteemed humanitarian award to US actor-producer-singer Harry Belafonte, whose efforts as an activist has assisted throw light on racism and discrimination. It will be presented at the body’s 6th annual Governors Awards on November 8, 2014 in Hollywood. He wasdnicknamed the “King of Calypso” for popularizing the Caribbean musical style in the 1950s.
Belafonte, (87) spent much of his life campaigning for numerous causes such as education, famine relief, children, AIDS awareness and civil rights. His films such as “Carmen Jones,” “Odds against Tomorrow” and “The World, the Flesh and the Devil” aided portray the injustices of racism and discrimination.
He was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and marched besides Martin Luther King, Jr in his prime. In 1987, he was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Serena Williams wins 3rd consecutive US Open
Tennis Woman’s World number one Serena Williams lifted her 3rd consecutive US Open trophy as she joined the elite club of Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18 Grand Slam titles. In the Women’s Singles finals at US Open, the US Tennis Star Serena Williams defeated Caroline Wozniazki of Denmark in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3 to secure a record-equalling sixth US Open title.
Also, the 32-year-old Serena Williams also surpassed Briton Virginia Wade to become the second oldest Grand Slam winner after Navratilova, who had won Wimbledon in 1990 aged 33.