Paul Robeson Interview (1958)

Paul Robeson, noted actor and political activist, relates his personal history and views in this interview with Elsa Knight Thompson, and Harold Winkler, then president of Pacifica Foundation. Discussion of his life as the son of a former slave, his life as an expatriate during the 1930s, his involvement in the civil rights movement, views of socialism, and the problems facing the emerging African nations.

[cheri]

I am so fortunate to hear Paul Robeson voice fortunately the first time today. I have books and learned so many wonderful things about him.
With the deepest appreciation and respect for this discussion today with him. This is a reminder of who we can be.
I shall remain true to be on the right side of history for humanity no matter the cost with human dignity. What a beautiful example he was. This photograph lights up who he was inside and outside.
🙏❤️🌍🌎🌏🌿🕊🎵🎶🎵💫✨️💫

[Germinal]

What a voice, what a man! He exudes such courage and a sense of humanity and compassion which cannot be overstated at a time when Black people were terrorised and made to feel less than human on a daily basis. I remember clearly when I first discovered Paul Robeson as a young Black girl growing up in the extremely racist east end of London in the 1970’s. He immediately became, and continues to be, an inspirational figure to me. He was clearly way ahead of his time and his ideas and talent should be celebrated more widely than they are. Thank you for posting this interview and reminding the world of Paul Robeson’s greatness.

[chisank]

A great man. I wrote my final high school essay on Paul, and to this day he remains one of my role models. An unsung hero of American history. He's up in the heavens with Joe Hill now. Much love from Appalachia. We love ya Paul, absolute legend. ❤

[livencali]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. Paul Robeson is a gem to black people.

[oscarodonnagain]

Great man. Such a knowledgable, intelligent, multi-talented, righteous, determined man, who was well loved even at the height of anti-communism in the US. As an Irishman, I love his rendition of "Kevin Barry"

[yubtubtime]

I grew up obsessed with Show Boat, and Paul Robeson's performance of Ol' Man River in particular, because my grandmother loved it so much. I really can't think of another man who spoke with such calm, intelligent articulation, besides perhaps Dr. King. Aldous Huxley and Kurt Vonnegut come to mind, but there's no comparison to the conviction behind Robeson's words. Even Ali, as compelling a poet and speaker as he was, didn't speak with such a deep sense of authority. All men were a gift to our culture, but there's something comforting about Paul Robeson, his warm sensibility, and his sensitivity.

It also warms my heart to hear him speak so fondly of the Welsh because my mother's side of my family is largely Welsh, with one known Cherokee ancestor. It seems our Welsh ancestors lost or were forced from their historical homesteads and manors, landing ashore here in the United States. Everyone in my family has flat, squishy noses (unlike bony, sharp "English" noses) and so-called "Melungeon" features, but genetic testing reveals negligible Asian or African ancestry. Nevertheless, historical records indicate my Welsh ancestors mostly labored alongside black and indigenous workers, possibly as the result of a purely coincidental similarity in features (at least to the eyes of the dominant English populations).

I think a vague knowledge of this history is unconsciously why my maternal grandmother loved Show Boat so much, and I will forever stand in solidarity with my black and indigenous brothers and sisters ✊🖤

[Osiris]

We must keep the lessons of our ancestors alive. It's OUR RESPONSIBILITY to teach our history to our kids.

[dlynnmcgregor]

I totally appreciate you all for this. Mr. Robeson is one of our forgotten hero leaders. Hearing his wonderful voice with full confidence commitment to liberation. Thank you 👍🏽👍🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾

[monicalewis]

So informative for generations to come❤I enjoyed his voice his mind his articulation his prospective❤food for thought❤

[LaLasta]

love and admiration for paul robeson 🙌🏽❤

[VivaCatatumbo]

His comments about Liberia are spot on 👍🏾

[blitztactique]

OFF TOPIC! But I must say it! I'm Aboriginal Australian. I support my BLK American brothers and sisters. European males enslaved, colonized and subjugated our people for over three generations! European men tried to breed the melanin out of our skin! I respect you for speaking out for the oppressed people globally, much love man!!!💓💓💜💜💜💜💜

[Turdfergusen]

16:11 “And at some point he finds a way to help”…..looking at you Obomba.

[Vesalate]

The pushback he received in this 1958 interview. He expertly pushed back and put things back on track.