Paul Robeson, born in 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, was the son of a Presbyterian minister who had escaped slavery and a mother from a distinguished Philadelphia family. He received a full scholarship to Rutgers University at the age of seventeen, and in just four years he accomplished a remarkable feat by receiving twelve major letters and being named valedictorian of his class. After graduating, he continued his education at Columbia University Law School, but faced racial struggles in his career as a lawyer that ultimately ended it. However, he soon found success in the world of public speaking and acting.
In the mid-1920s, Robeson became well-known for his lead roles in Eugene O’Neill’s plays “All God’s Chillun Got Wings” (1924) and “The Emperor Jones” (1925). Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he garnered widespread acclaim as an actor and singer, captivating audiences with his signature song “Ol’ Man River.” He also achieved the longest-running Shakespeare play in Broadway history with his portrayal of “Othello,” which ran for nearly 300 performances and is still regarded as one of the greatest American productions of Shakespeare’s work. As his fame grew in the United States, he also gained international recognition and admiration. Speaking fifteen languages, he traveled the world to promote social justice through benefit performances. He strongly believed that public figures have a responsibility to advocate for justice and peace, making him unlike any other performer of his time.
The WEST museum devoted an exhibition to Robeson in 2023. The museum publication for visitors is now available at www.ftn-books.com
