Happy Birthday, Paul Robeson

Movement: April 9 is the day he was born

Did you know Paul Robeson was my grandfather (spiritual).

He was often called the “Great Forerunner,” because he was so far ahead of his time in advocating for equality and an end to racial oppression. He was also called, “The tallest tree in the forest,” because of his physical and moral stature. He endured years of attacks because of his unwavering support for civil rights and peace.

Grandad, you don’t mind if I call him that, do you? Anyway, Grandad was a great singer (Old Man River), an all-American in college football, a movie actor (Emperor Jones, and others), an orator for the rights of Black people, and against war.

Here’s my tribute to Grandad:

Paul Robeson was my grandfather, 

in spirit.

When I was a child

I heard his incomparable voice

singing Old Man River,

something like it might have been sung

by slaves along the mighty Mississippi.

With grandfather’s voice

It became a song of protest

and rebellion.

---

Later I heard his other songs 

of strength and rebellion

The House I Live In, Ballad for Americans,

John Brown’s Body, What is America to me,

and the oh so relevant: 

There’s A Man Going Round Taking Names

---

Grandfather traveled the land

where he sang and spoke about

liberation for the Negro people 

(the term used in his day)

---

He knew what it meant to be a slave

His own father was born a slave

Yet he became the first Black person

to attend Rutgers University

where he became part 
of the All-American football team,

twice.

But the racists covered up his photo

so the team only had 10 members.

---

Grandfather was also a stage

and movie star.

He became known throughout the world

as he traveled, sang and spoke

around the country and foreign lands

devoting his life to fighting for peace

and justice for his people

---

One time in Paris, he said Negro people

would not fight in an unjust war.

This angered the racists 

who ran our government.

They resolved to silence him.

They took away his passport

and called him a Russian agent.

He was poisoned by the CIA

making him unable to perform.

---

Years before Martin and Malcolm,

Paul was calling for Black Liberation. 

Years before Bernie and Tulsi,

Paul was calling for peace, 

an end to the Cold War 

and justice for all peoples of the world.

---

I cried when Paul Robeson died.

Today, I am still guided 

by his strength

and wisdom.

---

His words and smile are needed now

as we stumble around in the dark

looking for a light

to take us to a better world.

---

If he were alive today, he, like Old Man River,

and like John Brown, would still be rolling along 

with us toward that land of peace and plenty.

---

from The Dinner Party Before The Revolution - by Jim Smith, drawing by Samuel Kamen