Black Activists - Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was born April 9, 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey and died January 23, 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Paul Robeson was the son of a former slave who became a preacher. Paul Robeson is best known for his deep baritone singing voice, the song Ol’ Man River and his portrayal of Shakespeare’s Othello. Paul Robeson was a 20th Century Renaissance man with many different talents.
Singer
Paul Robeson had a very deep baritone voice and sang Black spiritual songs. Robeson constantly sang about peace and justice for all. Robeson is best known for singing the song Ol’ Man River but had many other songs in his repertoire. Robeson’s voice was truly unique and he put his own flare on any song he sung. There was no mistaking Robeson’s unique voice.
Athlete/Academic
Paul Robeson excelled both athletically and academically throughout his college years. In college Robeson received many athletic and academic awards. Paul Robeson was an All-American Football player at Rutgers College and went on to play football professionally. Robeson received many academic accolades including being valedictorian of his class. Robeson continued his studies at Columbia Law School and after graduating went on to practice law. Robeson’s stint as a lawyer was short lived due to the racism he endured. After his law career Robeson continued working in and studying the arts including his career as an actor.
Author
Paul Robeson was an author of the book Here I Stand. Here I Stand was the story of his life with his thoughts, experiences and the issues of race. Robeson also wrote numerous articles and other writings. Robeson was very vocal about his beliefs and visions and his ideologies came across clearly in his writings.
Actor
Paul Robeson was an actor of both stage and screen. Robeson brought his own special twist and talents to every role he played. Paul Robeson was the first black actor to portray Shakespeare’s Othello in an all-white cast. Robeson was an international star receiving accolades and standing ovations for his performances in Europe. In the United States Robeson was often threatened and harassed during his performances. The differences between the audiences in Europe and the United States showed Robeson that racism was much more prevalent in the US. Robeson starred in over 10 films throughout his career.
Activist
Paul Robeson was a champion for peace and justice for all. Robeson fought for the working people and for civil rights. Paul Robeson was blacklisted under the McCarthy era because of his politics. Robeson also had his passport revoked but still continued to fight for the rights of others. Robeson fought racism at home in the United States and fought Fascism abroad. Although Robeson had many friends and allies because of his beliefs he also made many enemies. Through adversity Robeson continued to fight for what he believed in, never wavering not matter what was thrown his way.
Paul Robeson was a true renaissance man he was an actor, singer, athlete, author, activist and really truly so much more. Robeson was all about the rights of everyone being equal and he went all over the world trying to create world peace. Robeson was met many
