The NFL player who became a lawyer, then gave it all up for his voice—and his conscience.
Paul Robeson was a celebrated African-American Actor, Athlete, Singer, Writer, and Civil Rights Activist. Robeson's many achievements are chronicled in this program, ranging from playing with the NFL to graduating from Columbia Law School, performing on Broadway and in Hollywood films to founding the American Crusade against Lynching as well as Council on African Affairs. Robeson was one of the most talented performers of his time and a dedicated humanitarian who ultimately sacrificed fame and fortune for what he believed in. His association with Leftist Politics during the era of the Cold War, and frequent denouncing of American political parties led to his eventual blacklisting with other prominent writers and artists during the McCarthy Era. His talents in all areas are remarkable, and his dedication to attaining a peaceful coexistence between all the people of the world is truly admirable.
Acting
That voice—bass that could shake colonialism itself.
Production
Archival footage of a man they tried to erase.
Director
Rex Barnett
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Robeson spoke 20+ languages and once performed 'Ol' Man River' in Russian at the Moscow Art Theatre. Stalin gave him a dacha. It complicated things.
The FBI kept a 3,000-page file on him. For singing. For speaking. For existing while brilliant and Black and unbowed.
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