World remembers legacy of actor Paul Robeson

In films like "Tales of Manhattan," Robeson rejected the negative stereotypes of blacks

April 6, 1998
Web posted at: 5:40 p.m. EDT (2140 GMT)

NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (CNN) -- Throughout the United States and across the world, institutions are paying tribute to Paul Robeson, one of the country's most talented performers, and, some say, one of the least recognized.

Now, as the 100th anniversary of his birth approaches, more than 150 events are planned to celebrate his life. Among the tributes was one Sunday at Columbia University, at which folk singer Pete Seeger performed Robeson's signature tune "Ol' Man River," from the musical "Showboat," for a crowd in attendance there.

CNN's Cynthia Tornquist reports 2 minute, 27 second VXtreme video

"We believe that Robeson's name has virtually been erased from the history books," said Rae Alexander-Minter, the director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center at Rutgers University. "It is our concern that he be re-evaluated and re-appraised now."

Born on April 9, 1898, Robeson was a Phi Beta Kappa at Rutgers College, played pro football, and earned a Columbia history law degree as well as creating a definitive modern portrayal of Shakespeare's Othello in a stage production of that play. He also acted in film in the 1930s and '40s.

Robeson as Othello

"To look at him was to be amazed at all the possibilities that humanity offered to all of us," said actor Ossie Davis.

As a performer, Robeson rejected the negative stereotypes of blacks in his films, such as "Tales of Manhattan."

"In some of the performances we can see him resisting, we can see him transcending, and later on when he would sing the song from 'Ol' Man River' he would change the lyrics," said Dr. Jeffrey Stewart, the curator of the Paul Robeson Exhibit.

Despite his efforts, the stereotypes persisted, and Robeson turned his back on Hollywood. His son, Paul Robeson Jr., recollected that Othello was "the only role which he felt transcended the stereotypes."

Robeson also became a controversial figure for his willingness to use his celebrity to advance civil and human rights changes in the United States and around the world.

Robeson in "The Emperor Jones"

He paid dearly for his views and his activism. His praise of Soviet socialism put his name on the blacklist during the McCarthyism of the 1950s, virtually destroying his career.

Yet, "after 10 years of persecution," the younger Robeson said, his father never spoke of bitterness or revenge. "If you want to be free, you have to suffer sometimes. I have no bitterness," son quoted father as saying.

Robeson died in 1976. Now, two decades later, the cultural mainstream that once rejected him is reviving his memory at long last.

Correspondent Cynthia Tornquist contributed to this report.

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