Harry Belafonte, who used to be known for his music, in recent years has repeatedly lashed out at the Tea Party, urged Obama to be more like a dictator and sung the praises of Hugo Chavez.

He hardly seems like an appropriate choice to celebrate the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Ann Arbor Journal reports.

ANN ARBOR: Belafonte will lecture in Ann Arbor on Martin Luther King Day

The University of Michigan presents its 28th annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium, kicking off a monthlong series of events on Jan. 13 and featuring guest speakers and artists from across the country.

Most notable among the guests is award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and social activist Harry Belafonte, who will deliver the Keynote Memorial Lecture at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor.

Belafonte’s speech will also be simulcast at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

For the past 27 years U-M has held this event in memorial of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with such celebrated dignitaries as Cesar Chavez, president, United Farm Workers Union; Jocelyn Elders, former U.S. surgeon general; Grace Lee Boggs, Detroit activist and author; and Henry G. Cisneros, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Each year the symposium planning committee focuses on a specific theme of reflection and progress; one that actively builds a bridge from past lessons and experiences, to future progress and collective social activism.