Paul Robeson: Athlete, Singer, and Civil rights Activist.
Academics and Early Life
Paul Robeson was born April 9th, 1898 in Princeton New Jersey. Being the youngest of five children, Robeson's family had definitely seen some hard times, yet they were extremely caring and hopeful for the future. When Robeson was young, his mother, Anna Lousia, died in a fire, and the greiving family relocated to Sommerville. Paul Robeson went on to excel in school, and sing in his church choir. In high school, Robeson earned 15 varsity letters, despite being the target of racist teammates. He also won a scholarship to Rutgers University, where he was only the third African American to receive a scholarship. Robeson quickly became one of the University's best students, and earned top honors for his fantastic debate and oratory skills. He was also elected Phi Betta Kappa, and graduated as his class valedictorian.
Law and Marriage
Robeson went on to earn a degree from Columbia University's Law School, where he met and married Eslanda Goode in 1921. He worked briefly as a lawyer in 1923, although abandoned his firm due to severe racism from coworkers.
On Stage and Screen
After leaving work as a lawyer, Robeson decided he wanted to turn to acting. With Eslanda by his side as his manager, Robeson dove headfirst into the fast-paced life of an actor. From London productions of Othello and The Emperor Jones to All God's Chillun Got Wings, Robeson became a prominent actor of the 1920s and 1930s. Soon, Robeson decided that he wanted to begin a career in film, and starred in a 1928 production of Showboat, and which earned his signature song- "Ol' Man River".
Activism and Later Years
Extremely involved with politics and foreign policy, Paul Robeson was a great role model for many young children. He regularly spoke out against racism and discrimination, and wanted equality for all, regardless of race, gender, or religion. After being called a communist, he was barred from renewing his passport by the State Department in 1950. Because of his support for racial equality, he was banned from many concerts, recording labels, and film studios. He published an autobiography of his life, Here I stand, in 1958. During the same year, his passport was reinstated, so he once again traveled the world giving lectures. He suffered from a great depression during these tours, primarily from the immense criticism that he had received. Robeson's wife, Eslanda, died in 1965, he moved in with his sister. On January 23rd, 1976, Robeson suffered a stroke and died at the age of 77.
Interesting Facts
- Robeson's father was an escaped slave.
- Robeson was chosen All-American in football.
- During his short career as a lawyer, Robeson faced extreme racism. Once, a white secretary refused to take dictation from him, therefore creating racial issues within the firm.
- Paul Robeson performed in 300 productions of the Broadway hit, Othello.
- Although Robeson never won an Academy Award, he was recognized many times for his superb acting abilities.
Paul Robeson was born April 9th, 1898 in Princeton New Jersey. Being the youngest of five children, Robeson's family had definitely seen some hard times, yet they were extremely caring and hopeful for the future. When Robeson was young, his mother, Anna Lousia, died in a fire, and the greiving family relocated to Sommerville. Paul Robeson went on to excel in school, and sing in his church choir. In high school, Robeson earned 15 varsity letters, despite being the target of racist teammates. He also won a scholarship to Rutgers University, where he was only the third African American to receive a scholarship. Robeson quickly became one of the University's best students, and earned top honors for his fantastic debate and oratory skills. He was also elected Phi Betta Kappa, and graduated as his class valedictorian.
Law and Marriage
Robeson went on to earn a degree from Columbia University's Law School, where he met and married Eslanda Goode in 1921. He worked briefly as a lawyer in 1923, although abandoned his firm due to severe racism from coworkers.
On Stage and Screen
After leaving work as a lawyer, Robeson decided he wanted to turn to acting. With Eslanda by his side as his manager, Robeson dove headfirst into the fast-paced life of an actor. From London productions of Othello and The Emperor Jones to All God's Chillun Got Wings, Robeson became a prominent actor of the 1920s and 1930s. Soon, Robeson decided that he wanted to begin a career in film, and starred in a 1928 production of Showboat, and which earned his signature song- "Ol' Man River".
Activism and Later Years
Extremely involved with politics and foreign policy, Paul Robeson was a great role model for many young children. He regularly spoke out against racism and discrimination, and wanted equality for all, regardless of race, gender, or religion. After being called a communist, he was barred from renewing his passport by the State Department in 1950. Because of his support for racial equality, he was banned from many concerts, recording labels, and film studios. He published an autobiography of his life, Here I stand, in 1958. During the same year, his passport was reinstated, so he once again traveled the world giving lectures. He suffered from a great depression during these tours, primarily from the immense criticism that he had received. Robeson's wife, Eslanda, died in 1965, he moved in with his sister. On January 23rd, 1976, Robeson suffered a stroke and died at the age of 77.
Interesting Facts
- Robeson's father was an escaped slave.
- Robeson was chosen All-American in football.
- During his short career as a lawyer, Robeson faced extreme racism. Once, a white secretary refused to take dictation from him, therefore creating racial issues within the firm.
- Paul Robeson performed in 300 productions of the Broadway hit, Othello.
- Although Robeson never won an Academy Award, he was recognized many times for his superb acting abilities.