Civil rights activist and entertainer Harry Belafonte announced his endorsement of New York City mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio today during a campaign event.
Belafonte’s decision was largely based on de Balsio’s support of legislation that makes it easier to sue the NYPD for racial profiling, according to the New York Daily News.
Bill Thompson, the only black mayoral candidate, is second among African-American voters behind front runner Christine Quinn, while de Blasio is currently fourth, according to a new Quinnipiac Poll.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn) also announced her endorsement of de Blasio this afternoon.
Following the recent fallout of Anthony Weiner with another sexting scandal, de Blasio has risen in polls.
De Blasio is currently ranked second overall behind Christine Quinn.
Follow Carrie Healey @CarrieHeals.