*** Qui est Paul Robson ??? ***

Paul Robeson was the outstanding Black American actor, singer, and political
activist of this century.  The third African American to attend Rutgers
University, he graduated as valedictorian and went on to Columbia Law
School. Born of a former slave, he also was an outstanding athlete and
all-american.

Leaving law due to limited prospects in the US,  he went on to a successful
acting and singing career with an international reputation.  One
commentator stated that he was the best known American around the world.
His 1930 portrayal of Othello in London, UK is seen by some as the definitive
treatment. During the 1950's he ran afoul of US authorities during the
McCarthy Era for his outspoken committment to justice at home and
abroad.Blacklisted, he had his passport revoked from 1950-1958 and was
unable to travel abroad. He was also unable to perform in the US as any who
attempted to provide bookings or theatre space were threatened by the
government.

In 1952, in response to US refusal to let him respond to an invitation from
Canadian Unions to address their conference in Vancouver, he sang at the
Peace Arch on the US-Canadian border; one foot from the Canadian side.
Forty thousand people attended this concert. Subsequent annual concerts
had attendance of over 20,000 each.

This and three later concerts on the border led to his passport eventually
being returned.  The recording of this concert is now available from FolkEra
Records in Illinois:  try your local Sam's the Record Man.

Also check out the Paul Robeson Centennial WWW Site by typing in "Paul
Robeson" in your net search.  It is based in Chicago Illinois.


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   Canalising a river
   Grafting a fruit tree
   Educating a person
   Transforming a state
   These are instances of fruitful criticism
   And at the same time instances of art.
       -Bertolt Brecht
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Dennis Raphael, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Acting Director,
Masters of Health Science Program in Health Promotion
Department of Public Health Sciences
Graduate Department of Community Health
University of Toronto
McMurrich Building, Room 101
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5S 1A8
voice:    (416) 978-7567
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