The 115th Street branch of the New York Public Library now bears his name, in the same neighborhood where the 90-year-old grew up and was first inspired to perform.
Belafonte, who is often called the King of Calypso, said his life was launched when he attended a performance at the Schomburg Research Library.
Eyewitness News reporter Lauren Glassberg was there. Check out her report in the video player above.