Belafonte was to be celebrated for his contribution to the advancement of human rights and dignities at the CCCJ’s 60th anniversary gala in Toronto on Nov. 22 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

The Asper and Lakhani families are also to be honoured with CCCJ’s Human Relations Award for their contributions to the fabric of Canadian culture and society.  The Asper Foundation has donated more than $103 million to various charitable causes and develops major culture, education, community development and human rights initiatives locally, nationally and internationally. The Lakhani family, led by Hassanali Lakhani (who arrived in Canada in 1988), has made significant contributions to the Toronto Islamic community.

Belafonte has been committed to civil and human rights issues for more than half a century. Over the years, Belafonte worked to end the apartheid government in South Africa and for the release of Nelson Mandela. He was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as the cultural advisor for the Peace Corps where he served five years.

The Canadian Council of Christians and Jews is a national non-sectarian organization that builds on a common heritage to eradicate discrimination, prejudice and bigotry in Canadian society through education, research, communications and community building.  The Canadian Centre for Diversity, the programming division of CCCJ, is a provider of school-based programs that educate against discrimination and misunderstanding, which can lead to a better and safer Canada.