In 1919 when Paul Robeson graduated from Rutgers the “class prophesy” suggested that by 1940 he would be governor of New Jersey and “the leader of the coloured race in America.” When 1940 came around that prophesy had not been entirely realized. Robeson had no desire to be the governor of New Jersey or any other state for that matter. But he had by that time added to his undergraduate laurels as scholar and All-American football player, international acclaim as concert artiste, stage actor, recording and film star.
Born the son of a slave Robeson rose from ‘white man’s lackey’ to become a belligerent, forceful spokesman for black human rights. He had a scholar’s ability to summon up wide ranging points of reference, a linguist's ability to communicate in several languages. He had had an outstanding career as an athlete, a degree in law and a deepening commitment to improve the lot of coloured people around the world.
But by 1960 his career and his health had been broken, his name vilified, his honour – even his good sense – assailed, his image converted by a now hostile establishment from public hero to public enemy. Branded a Soviet apologist, kept under close surveillance by the FBI, his right to travel abroad denied by the State Department and his opportunities to perform at home severely curtailed, Robeson became an outcast, nearly a non-person.
This extraordinary turnabout in what had been one of the great twentieth-century careers is a singularly American story emblematic of its times yet transcending them, encompassing not merely Cold War hysteria but racial symbolism and racial consciousness throughout the history of the United States. That a man so deeply loved all over the world could evoke in his own country such an outpouring of fear and anger is in itself a tragedy.
The tragedy that was Paul Robeson’s life is brought back to reality by this amazing lecture and workshop by Joe Stead entitled ‘The life and times of Paul Robeson’.
The audience will be invited to join in songs led by Joe and listen to the remarkable yet changing voice of Robeson himself.
Here is a unique chance for the audience to learn about one of the most remarkable men in American musical and theatrical history.
This is a lecture not to be missed.
Contact the folklorist Joe Stead at
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Visit the web site at www.joestead.com
