Paul Robeson, American

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Philip E Jenks
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About Philip E Jenks

Philip, a synodical deacon in the ELCA Metropolitan New York synod, is a retired communicator for American Baptist Churches USA, the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches, the U.S. National Council of Churches, and two Philadelphia area daily newspapers. He and his spouse, the Rev. Dr. Martha M. Cruz, are the parents of six adults and are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rye Brook, N.Y. They live in Port Chester, N.Y.
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2 Responses to Paul Robeson, American

  1. anfearfaire's avatar La voz de la razón says:
    September 18, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    It is interesting, that many Americans, yourself included, like to label outstanding and highly achieving Black men and women of the past as “American. You seem to forget that Robeson was harassed by the government and the media when publicly advocating for the rights of people of his race.

    You seem to have a short memory, Philip. Have you forgotten that before the civil rights legislation passed some threescore years ago, “Colored People” the politically correct term at the time, were not afforded the same rights and justice under the law as “White Folks.”

    They were not afforded the right to use the same schools, restaurants, hotels, etc. Their professional ballplayers were not allowed in the American and National Leagues. They and their children were subject to lynching and their murderers never brought to justice. Famous black performers were not allowed to stay in the same hotel that they were performing at.

    Fact is, although they were born in America, they were not considered fully American by “white” America. They were considered as a lower social strata; similar to the caste system of India or the medieval European Feudal system.

    Even Robeson himself wrote; I Want to be African.

    The Voice of Reason must be heard.

    Reply
  2. anfearfaire's avatar La voz de la razón says:
    September 18, 2024 at 3:12 pm

    Your post today brought back memories of 1979.

    YONKERS, Aug. 8 — Four hours after the members of a black I.B.M. executive’s family moved into their split‐level house in a predominantly white community here, an explosion and fire drove them into the street in an arson incident that officials believe was racially motivated. (from NY Times newspaper)

    I remember this incident well, working in Yonkers and living in the same neighborhood.

    Reply

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