Paul robeson biography racism quotes

Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson (9 April1898 – 23 January1976) was an American actor of film and stage, All-American and professional athlete, writer, multi-lingual orator, lawyer, and basso profondo concert singer who was also known for his social justice activism.

Quotes

• If the American Negro is to have a culture of his own he will have to leave America to get it.
  • As quoted in "Paul Robeson and Negro Music" in The New York Times (5 April 1931)

• I found a special eagerness among the younger, and I am sorry to say, the more intelligent Negroes, to dismiss the spiritual as something beneath their new pride in their race.

  It is as if they wanted to put it behind them as something to be ashamed of...

  • As quoted in "Paul Robeson and Negro Music" in The New York Times (5 April 1931)

• From what I have already seen of the workings of the Soviet Government, I can only say that anybody who lifts his hand against it ought to be shot!

  It is the gover