Reclaiming Our Way promoting the well-being of African American children & families

Remembering Paul Robeson (Part 2) – Another Thought & Resource

The other day I shared a brief post highlighting the anniversary of Paul Robeson's death in 1976. In the post I referenced Robeson's appearance and testimony during a hearing of the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

I originally heard an excerpt from this occasion on one of the episodes of the Black Media Archive on iTunes (podcast, episode 214). It was a real treat to hear Paul Robeson during this event and incident. After doing some more digging I actually found the Paul Robeson audio excerpt online.

It's well worth checking out if you get a chance. Robeson takes the committee members to task, and gives far more than they bargained for. He was not only masterful with words, but far more intelligent than any of the committee members as well.

I'm a huge proponent of reading and study (which is harder for many people to do in this world full of distractions), yet in this case actually hearing Paul Robeson's tone and defiance is important. Our story in this country, and throughout the world, is not one of passive resignation and submission. We have always resisted and spoken truth to power. Indeed, that tradition continues.

This is an example our children must see more of...

Excerpt of Paul Robeson Testimony
House Committee on Un-American Activities
June 12, 1956
Duration: Approximately 11 minutes

On June 12, 1956, Paul Robeson was subpoenaed to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC).  During the testimony, convened to gain information regarding his alleged Communist affiliations, and the lawsuit regarding the revocation of his passport, Robeson refused to answer questions concerning his political activities and lectured bigoted Committee members Gordon H. Scherer and Chairman Francis E.Walter about African-American history and civil rights.