Paul Robeson
Paul Leroy Robeson was the first Black movie star in America! He was handsome, intelligent, 6 foot, 3 inches in height and often called “the tallest man in the forest”.
Robeson’s acting career spanned nearly 50 years. At the height of his career he was one of the highest paid performers in America. His most acclaimed acting performances included “Othello,” “Showboat,” and “The Emperor Jones”.
Robeson was more than an entertainer! He was a genuine American hero who stood against discrimination and injustice. He marched for the civil rights of Blacks, coal miners, steel workers and common people in America and abroad.
James Earl Jones on Paul Robeson
Robeson commanded the audience attention with his oratory and deep bass baritone voice that was hypnotic and incomparable! Tens of thousands of people came to concert halls throughout America and abroad to hear him sing. Robeson was known for his performances of songs such as “Ol Man River” and “Go Down Moses”. His rendition of Black spiritual songs was instrumental in elevating spirituals to a serious musical form.
Robeson graduated from Rutgers College where he was valedictorian of the class and All-American football player. He went on to play in the NFL while earning his LLB from Columbia University Law School. During that time he also appeared in several all-black musicals. After graduating from law school Robeson worked in a law office but soon returned to acting
Paul Robeson, Freedom Fighter
Robeson’s history of supporting civil rights causes caught the attention of the U.S. government, J. Edgar Hoover and his FBI. After Robeson visited Russia and commented that he was treated better there than in the U.S he was called to testify before The House Un-American Activities Committee where he was repeatedly questioned about whether he was a communist. Robeson repeatedly invoked his 5th amendment rights! He said “You want to shut up every Negro who has the courage to stand up and fight for the rights of his people, for the rights of workers and I have been on many a picket line for the steelworkers too. And that is why I am here today.”