In honor of Paul Robeson week, we give thanks to concert artist, star athlete, activist, and actor Paul Robeson. This man has done it all! Better yet, we are proud to say he was a Rutgers alum.
Robeson was born in Princeton, New Jersey on April 9, 1898. His father was born into slavery and later escaped and his mother was an ardent abolitionist. Robeson’s academic and athletic achievements earned him a scholarship to Rutgers University where he excelled in several fields. He became a two-time All American football star as well as being a member of Phi Beta Kappa. The article above, featured in February 19, 1919 Perth Amboy Evening News, mentions his accomplishments.
Featured in December 10, 1921 Perth Amboy Evening News
After graduating from Rutgers, Robeson entered Columbia Law School, working his way as an actor and a professional football player. He had a brief stint in a New York law firm before returning to the stage. Robeson starred on Broadway and traveled to stages around the world. After gaining exposure to the USSR, he gained respect for leftist ideals, noting how they treated him as a human being.
Communists invited Robeson on stage at the Paris Peace Congress after hearing him sing. After his performance, he said a few words, calling for peace between America and the Soviet Union.
As expected, Robeson gained many enemies in America as a result of his political leanings. Some people were conflicted, admiring his performances yet disapproving his political actions. He regularly made trips to the USSR, which, in 1950, resulted in a seizure of his passport and blacklisted after his hearings before the Joseph McCarthy’s House Un-American Activities Committee. When asked why he would not move to the Soviet Union, his response was:
“Because my father was a slave, and my people died to build this country, and I am going to stay right here and have a part of it just like you.”
Robeson received harsh criticism. His name was stricken off alumni publications. Newsreel footage was destroyed and media did their best to avoid mentioning his name.
Later in his life, Robeson retired to Philadelphia and lived in seclusion until his death in 1976.
Jackie Robinson, a strong supporter of Robeson, reflected in his autobiography how he has increased respect for Robeson and how he sacrificed his career, wealth, and comfort because he was trying to help his people.
In 1995, his athletic achievements were finally recognized and he made a posthumous entry into the College Football Hall of Fame.
“An an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.”
– Paul Robeson
(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)
References
“Paul Robeson ~ Paul Robeson Biography.” (2020). PBS, Public Broadcasting Service. Received from www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/paul-robeson-about-the-actor/66/.
King, Gilbert. “What Paul Robeson Said.” (2011). Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution. Received from www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-paul-robeson-said-77742433/.
“Singer, Actor, Athlete, Activist Paul Robeson Dies.” (2009). History.com, A&E Television Networks. Received from www.history.com/this-day-in-history/singer-actor-athlete-activist-paul-robeson-dies.
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