On Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in lower Manhattan, 1199SEIU hosted two screenings of the new documentary “Sing Your Song” for 1199SEIU members and Occupy Wall Street protestors. “Sing Your Song” examines the life of legendary activist and entertainer Harry Belafonte, including his childhood in Harlem, his stardom as an entertainer, and his undying dedication to social justice, civil rights and social change throughout the world.

Mr. Belafonte’s story is told through candid personal interviews as well as interviews with those with whom he has worked over his 60-year career, including Sidney Portier, Nelson Mandela, and Miriam Makeba. Mr. Belafonte and 1199SEIU Pres. George Gresham spoke with the audience and took questions after each screening. They each reserved special praise for Occupy Wall Street participants.

“I want to thank you all for inspiring us,” said Pres. Gresham. “For a while we felt we were out there alone. The Tea Party cannot be recognized as the voice of working people in in this country. We feel it is our job to provide the fuel for the fire you bring to the movement and we want to be the muscle and the amplifiers for your message.”

Mr. Belafonte spoke on a wide variety of topics – from his involvement with the United Nations to his views on Occupy Wall Street. “In the 84 years of my journey I’ve drawn on the passion, courage and intelligence of an awful lot of people,” he said. “And on that journey I’ve understood the joy that is derived for a life of service.”

In his remarks he discussed the dangers of the Homeland Security Act, the shame of hidden poverty in the U.S. and quoted the civil rights and labor movement giant A. Philip Randolph. “If you want to make change,” he told the audience. “You have to go out and do it.”

An Occupy Wall Street participant who gave his name as Diego said he was moved and inspired by the evening. And also happy to get out of the rain, sleet and snow dumped on Occupy Wall Street during the day’s Nor’easter.

“I had never heard of Harry Belafonte before I came here tonight,” said Diego, 23. “But this film showed how really powerful people can be. It’s a great reminder of what people can do. Being here tonight warmed me inside and out.”