Why Black Liberals Loved Hugo Chavez

Many African American liberals like Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte considered the late authoritarian dictator and U.S. enemy Hugo Chavez an ally.

The former Venezuelan president died on Tuesday after battling cancer for two years. Chavez had been accepted by many Hollywood celebrities during his 14-year dictatorship including Naomi Campbell, Sean Penn and Oliver Stone.

Chavez’s continued support of disadvantaged communities, his outspoken criticism of

George W. Bush, and his left-wing political agenda earned him the respect of these celebrities. Belafonte and Glover sought out a relationship with the controversial leader despite how they may be viewed in the United States for it.