On 27 September 2023, as part of the “Knowledge Is Power” program at BSix Sixth Form College (London) in collaboration with Weyland McKenzie-Witter, they held a session at the Marx Memorial Library in Clerkenwell, East London, to explore their fascinating Paul Robeson collection and resources. Led and guided by Weyland, they anticipated a deep dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure. A 17-year-old (at the time of submission) student, Sumaya Omar wrote this review of the session.
For centuries, Black individuals have been overshadowed by damaging stereotypes and sadly, often by members of the community itself. Within this dynamic labyrinth, the story of Paul Robeson emerges as a reminder of the challenges Black individuals have faced worldwide. American-born, Robeson’s career traversed continents as far as Europe, indicating the capacity for anyone to excel regardless of their race and background, re-defining what it meant to be an African American to the world. As we investigate Paul’s life, we will confront the fact that oppression is compound. The term compound oppression refers to the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination, such as racial, economic, and social, and we need to address not only external causes but also the narratives within.
The triumphs of Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was born in 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, to the formerly enslaved and escaped Rev. William D. Robeson. Paul Robeson was proud of his heritage and deeply respected his father, often speaking out about the resilience and impact of growing up with a father who had overcome tremendous adversity. Robeson’s early life was characterized by academic and athletic excellence. He attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, on a scholarship, becoming a two-time All-American football player. He later graduated from Columbia Law School, although he chose to pursue a career in the arts. Paul, in fact, got into acting despite his law degree. His interest in acting led him to begin performing in plays and musicals, eventually leading to roles in films and becoming one of the most celebrated actors of his time. Robeson’s deep, resonant voice and commanding stage presence earned him traction in theatre and film. His portrayal of Othello in the 1943 Broadway production was groundbreaking, as it was one of the first major productions to cast a Black actor in the title role. Critic Brooks Atkinson wrote, “In every detail, Robeson’s Othello is splendid… He has the physical grandeur and the temperament for the role.” It was one of the first times an African American actor played the role in a significant production in the United States, challenging the tradition of White actors in blackface. Robeson’s performances were not just artistic triumphs but also powerful statements against the racial prejudices of his time, empowering others to challenge these norms.
The Black artist’s dilemma
Now imagine navigating a career where success often means playing into the very stereotypes that dehumanize you, a dilemma faced by many Black artists from the eighteenth century to the stars of today’s entertainment industry. Our Paul Robeson starred in the British film Sanders of the River – in 1935. The story is set in colonial Nigeria and centers on the character “Bosambo” played by Robeson. For many modern viewers today and contemporary then, Sanders of the River was highly troubling due to its simplistic and brutal depiction of Afrikan cultures. This controversial film reinforces colonialist narratives, portraying Afrikans as needing guidance and control from European colonizers. In one scene, Bosambo is depicted as loyal and subservient to the British colonizer and sings in praise of the colonial ruler, this portrayal starkly opposes Robeson’s views on racial equality and self-worth as a Black man.
Why would Paul Robeson, a passionate advocate for Black rights, participate in a film like Sanders of the River? Several factors come into play. During that era, opportunities for Black actors were minimal, and this film offered Robeson a rare chance to take on a leading role. Initially, he believed the project would portray Afrikans with dignity and respect. However, upon seeing the final cut, he was profoundly disappointed and felt it misrepresented the Afrikan experience. He famously stated, “The final script and the direction followed in the Afrikan scenes did not depict the Afrikan I know,” expressing his deep regret for his involvement in the film. Despite this, the role brought him considerable attention and allowed him to continue his career in an industry with limited opportunities for Black actors. The perpetuation of stereotypes regarding Black individuals is prevalent in modern television and music, even today, with series such as Top Boy, which depicts the lives of residents in a public housing estate in London, focusing on the drug trade and gang violence. This, in turn, leads to a normalizing of negative ideas about Black communities and desensitizing them to violence, potentially influencing real-life choices. However, as an audience, we have the power to challenge these portrayals and demand more diverse and accurate representations. Young viewers can and do grapple with identity formation, feeling pressured to conform to the characters’ portrayals or lifestyles, while the glorification of criminality can shape their aspirations.
However, there is a growing movement within the entertainment industry to push back against these stereotypes. Shows like Black Panther (2018) and Insecure (2016-2021) have achieved success while offering more positive and multifaceted portrayals of Black life, signifying a potential for change in creative industries and the ability to deprogram these received ideas towards Black people. This progress gives hope for a future where such stereotypes are no longer perpetuated, and where Black individuals can be portrayed in a more accurate and empowering light.
Paul Robeson and many other Black sensations highlight the difficult choices often faced in accepting roles that may perpetuate stereotypes to gain visibility and work or rejecting such roles and risking a successful or failing career.
Silenced voices: the fight for socialism
On the topic of risks, Robeson’s career took a massive turn for the worse during the Cold War. His fearless stance against racism in the United States, coupled with his outspoken support for socialist causes, made him a target for government scrutiny. Robeson’s journey was not just about fame; it was a relentless fight for justice.
In the early 1950s, Robeson boldly declared, “The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.” His criticism of systemic racism and his ties to socialist ideals paved the way for increased scrutiny from the FBI and other government agencies. Shockingly, the U.S. State Department revoked his passport in 1950, silencing him on the international stage and isolating him from the global community that had embraced him. However, Robeson remained solid and willful. Concert halls shut their doors to him, and Hollywood turned its back, yet he continued to find ways to reach audiences. With each setback, his resolve only grew stronger. He became a champion for those who were voiceless. His mantra was clear: true freedom could only be achieved through solidarity. “The future of the Negro in America is linked with the future of the world,” the struggle against oppression was a universal fight.
“The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice”
Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson’s legacy is a powerful reminder that the battle for equality is ongoing. It requires the courage of individuals, like Robeson, who are willing to speak out and stand tall, regardless of the cost. His life and work serve as a beacon, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice and equality.
An articulate and informative article written by a 17 year old! Excellent work Sumaya.