Paul Robeson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Paul Robeson.

Paul Robeson was a prominent American singer, actor, and civil rights activist born on April 9, 1898, in Princeton, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University before earning a law degree from Columbia University. At Rutgers, Robeson excelled in athletics and became one of the university's first Black All-Americans in football. However, he faced racial discrimination throughout his studies and early career, which fueled his activism.

Robeson gained international acclaim for his powerful bass-baritone voice and his interpretations of African American spirituals, as well as his performances in theater and film. Some of his most notable roles were in productions such as "Othello" and "Show Boat." His renditions of songs like "Ol' Man River" became iconic.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Robeson was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and global peace. He used his platform to denounce racism, colonialism, and economic exploitation. This activism made him a target of McCarthyism in the United States during the 1950s. Robeson's passport was revoked in 1950, limiting his ability to travel and perform abroad.

Despite facing systematic oppression and hostility, Robeson remained steadfast in his fight for justice. He continued to speak out against injustice until his death on January 23, 1976. Paul Robeson's contributions to the arts, civil rights, and activism have left an indelible mark on American history.

Could I say that the reason that I am here today, you know,

Could I say that the reason that I am here today, you know, from the mouth of the State Department itself, is: I should not be allowed to travel because I have struggled for years for the independence of the colonial peoples of Africa.

I know that if the peace movement takes its message boldly t

I know that if the peace movement takes its message boldly to the Negro people a powerful force can be secured in pursuit of the greatest goal of all mankind. And the same is true of labor and the great democratic sections of our population.

Through the years I have received my share of recognition fo

Through the years I have received my share of recognition for efforts in the fields of sports, the arts, the struggle for full citizenship for the Negro people, labor's rights and the fight for peace.

You want to shut up every Negro who has the courage to stand

You want to shut up every Negro who has the courage to stand up and fight for the rights of his people, for the rights of workers, and I have been on many a picket line for the steelworkers too.

I said it was my feeling that the American people would stru

I said it was my feeling that the American people would struggle for peace, and that has since been underscored by the President of these United States.

As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always

As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.

But the deep desire for peace remained with the American peo

But the deep desire for peace remained with the American people.

We must join with the tens of millions all over the world wh

We must join with the tens of millions all over the world who see in peace our most sacred responsibility.

Like any other people, like fathers, mothers, sons and daugh

Like any other people, like fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in every land, when the issue of peace or war has been put squarely to the American people, they have registered for peace.

In fact, because of this deep desire for peace, the ruling c

In fact, because of this deep desire for peace, the ruling class leaders of this land, from 1945 on, stepped up the hysteria and propaganda to drive into American minds the false notion that danger threatened them from the East.

Yes, peace can and must be won, to save the world from the t

Yes, peace can and must be won, to save the world from the terrible destruction of World War III.