Venezuelan musicians died at 71
Here are 2 famous musicians from Venezuela died at 71:
Thor Halvorssen Hellum
Thor Halvorssen Hellum (May 16, 1943 Caracas-July 20, 2014) also known as Thor Halvorssen was a Venezuelan businessperson. He had one child, Thor Halvorssen Mendoza.
Aside from being a businessman, Thor Halvorssen was also a philanthropist and human rights advocate. He founded the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) in 2005, an organization aimed at promoting and protecting human rights globally. He also founded the Oslo Freedom Forum, an annual gathering of human rights activists and leaders.
Halvorssen’s advocacy was deeply personal—he was motivated to fight for human rights after his own father was tortured in a Venezuelan prison. Despite facing numerous challenges, including harassment and detainment by government officials, Halvorssen continued his mission to bring attention to human rights abuses around the world.
Halvorssen's legacy has inspired many to continue his work in promoting and fighting for human rights.
His commitment to human rights activism led him to establish relationships with influential figures in the entertainment industry, such as Steven Spielberg and Garry Kasparov, and to collaborate with Amnesty International and other human rights organizations. Halvorssen also produced several documentaries aimed at raising awareness about human rights violations, including "Freedom's Fury" and "Hamid Karzai: A Portrait of the Afghan President."
Prior to his work in human rights, Halvorssen was a successful businessman who served as CEO and president of several companies, including the Venezuelan television company, CANTV. He also served as a special advisor to the International Center for Transitional Justice and as a member of the boards of directors of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the American Enterprise Institute.
Halvorssen's dedication to human rights and philanthropy earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including the Presidential Silver Medal from the President of Romania and the Lech Walesa Award. His legacy continues through the HRF, which remains committed to defending human rights and promoting freedom around the world.
In addition to his work with the Human Rights Foundation and Oslo Freedom Forum, Thor Halvorssen was also involved with numerous other organizations focused on human rights issues. He served as the Patron of the Children's Peace Movement, an organization dedicated to empowering children to promote peace and human rights, and was a member of the board of directors of the Foundation for Economic Education, which advocates for free market solutions to societal challenges.
Throughout his life, Halvorssen was known for his unwavering commitment to promoting freedom and democracy, advocating for individuals who faced persecution and human rights violations. He was a frequent commentator on news programs and in print media, sharing his expertise and opinions on a range of global issues related to human rights and social justice.
Despite his passing in 2014, Thor Halvorssen's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the continued work of the Human Rights Foundation. The organization remains dedicated to promoting individual liberty and human rights, advocating for those whose freedoms are challenged or threatened, and providing a platform for human rights defenders and activists to make their voices heard.
Additionally, Thor Halvorssen was a strong advocate for democracy and fought against authoritarian regimes around the world. He was vocal about the importance of free and fair elections, and frequently condemned leaders who attempted to suppress dissent and rig elections in their favor. Halvorssen was also an active participant in efforts to combat corruption in politics and business, working with Transparency International to promote greater transparency and accountability in government and corporate institutions.
Halvorssen's dedication to human rights and social justice was deeply rooted in his personal experiences and beliefs. He was a firm believer in individual freedom and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. His work and legacy continue to inspire others to fight for justice and equality, and his impact on the world of human rights advocacy will be felt for many years to come.
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Jorge Olavarría
Jorge Olavarría (December 12, 1933 Caracas-April 18, 2005) was a Venezuelan journalist, historian, writer and politician.
He served as a member of the National Assembly of Venezuela from 1994 to 1998 and was also a founder of the Venezuelan Socialist Party. Olavarría was known for his extensive research on Venezuelan history and culture, and authored several books on the subject. He was a frequent commentator on current events and political issues in Venezuela, and was highly respected for his insightful analysis and intellectual contributions to the national dialogue. In addition to his political and scholarly pursuits, Olavarría was also a prolific writer of fiction, publishing several novels and short story collections throughout his career. His work often explored themes of social justice, human rights, and the struggles of everyday people in Venezuela and beyond.
Olavarría was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where he grew up and began his career as a journalist. He worked for several newspapers in the country, including El Nacional and Ultimas Noticias, and was known for his commitment to reporting the truth and exposing corruption. In addition to his journalistic work, Olavarría was heavily involved in political activism throughout much of his life. He was a member of the Communist Party of Venezuela in the 1960s and 70s, and later helped to found the Venezuelan Socialist Party, which he saw as a more democratic alternative to traditional leftist parties in the country.
Throughout his career, Olavarría received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Venezuelan culture and society. He was awarded the National Prize for Literature in 1982, and in 1990 was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. Olavarría continued to write and participate in political and cultural events until his death in 2005. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important intellectuals and public figures in recent Venezuelan history, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, journalists, and activists.
In his later years, Olavarría became increasingly critical of the government of Hugo Chávez, citing concerns over his authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic institutions in the country. Despite this, he remained committed to his socialist principles and continued to advocate for policies that would promote social justice and egalitarianism in Venezuela. Olavarría was also known for his strong support of cultural and artistic initiatives, and was a vocal advocate for the preservation of Venezuela's rich cultural heritage. He was a key supporter of the establishment of the National Art Gallery of Venezuela and was instrumental in the creation of the Museum of Colonial Art in Caracas. In addition to his many contributions to Venezuelan culture and politics, Olavarría is remembered for his personal generosity and kindness, and his willingness to support and mentor young writers and intellectuals.
Olavarría's passion for journalism and history led him to become an avid collector of classic books, manuscripts and other historical documents, which he donated to various libraries and cultural institutions throughout Venezuela. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of Venezuela's history and cultural identity, and believed that this was essential for the country's future development. Olavarría was also a member of the Venezuelan Academy of History and received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Zulia for his contributions to historical research.In addition to his political, scholarly and cultural pursuits, Olavarría was a family man who cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He was known for his humor, warmth and humility, and was respected by people from all walks of life. His death in 2005 was mourned by many in Venezuela and beyond, who saw him as a true public servant and a voice of reason in a country that was becoming increasingly polarized and divided. Today, Olavarría's legacy lives on through his writings, his political activism, and the many people whose lives he touched through his generosity and kindness.
Read more about Jorge Olavarría on Wikipedia »