PrincetonUniversity
 

Princeton native Robeson honored with commemorative stamp

by Eric Quiñones
A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the life of Princeton native Paul Robeson was unveiled Tuesday, Jan. 20, in an emotional ceremony hosted by Princeton University.

The U.S. Postal Service honored the famed activist, performer and athlete as part of its Black Heritage series. The ceremony was held in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, which a day earlier was the site of Princeton's celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

"Today it is a privilege to recognize another tireless advocate for social justice and change, and a man who most certainly served as an inspiration for Dr. King," said Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman. "Paul Robeson, born in Princeton nearly 106 years ago, became a citizen of the world through his ceaseless efforts to break down the barriers of race and ignorance, to advance civil rights and to promote peace."

Robeson was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University and Columbia Law School and an All-American football player. He achieved worldwide fame as an actor and singer, best known for his work as the title character in Shakespeare's "Othello," among many stage and movie roles. Robeson died in 1976.

The son of an escaped slave, Robeson capitalized on his fame to argue for racial equality, workers' rights and other social justice causes. During the Cold War, his association with the Communist party led to him being blacklisted on Broadway and having his passport revoked.

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt noted that although Robeson, one of his childhood heroes, would not have been admitted to Princeton University in the early 20th century, the University was an appropriate venue for the ceremony because Robeson's childhood days in Princeton were among his happiest.

In an impassioned address, Holt noted that the Postal Service commemoration cannot erase the pain and isolation that Robeson endured because of the "hatred of racism and the fearful excesses of the Cold War," but it can serve as a reminder of his powerful legacy.

"Every time we affix one of these stamps to a letter, a stamp depicting Paul Robeson with cheerful dignity, let's draw a lesson or two. First, as the people of Princeton once did for a small boy, let's show young boys and girls that there is something special about them -- that they can do great things. Second, let us remember that we as a government, we as the media, we who comprise conventional wisdom can be wrong -- painfully wrong," he said.

Paul Robeson Jr. said his father must be recognized alongside other champions of America's progressive tradition, such as King, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

"The stamp is a symbol of our nation's recognition of Paul Robeson's service, not only to our nation but also to the world," Robeson Jr. said.

Actor Avery Brooks sang a stirring rendition of the Robeson classic "Balm in Gilead" prior to the stamp's dedication, and later spoke in the persona of Robeson in celebrating the commemorative stamp and thanking the audience. The Princeton student a capella group Shere Khan and the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church Choir also performed.

In tearful remarks, New Jersey Secretary of State Regena Thomas lauded Robeson's fight for equality and the impact that he, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer and other African-American activists had on her own life.

"I'm here today because Paul Robeson redefined what could be accomplished," Thomas said. "Now my possibilities are ever more endless."

Princeton Provost Amy Gutmann and Paul Robeson Jr. were among the speakers at the dedication of the U.S. Postal Service's new Paul Robeson commemorative stamp.

Actor Avery Brooks performed a stirring rendition of "Balm in Gilead" in honor of Robeson.

photos: Denise Applewhite