Black is Beautiful 2026 – Paul Robeson
I painted this brother because although I’ve heard his name I didnt know who he was. A writer named Howard Bryant put out a book about him and Jackie Robinson and that made me want to look him up!
Paul was born in 1898 in Princeton , NJ. He was the son of a freed slave (his dad) and was raised by him. He grew up strong in the church, playing sports, and very smart. At 17 he got a scholarship to Rutgers University in New Jersey where he studied and played college football, becoming an All American award winning player twice. He went on to play ball and attend Columbia University where he earned a law degree! Facing racism he decided not to go into law but started working in theater eventually making his way onto Broadway for several plays and becoming an actor and singer in film starring in movies. It is said that he was one of the first Black superstar’s because of this and his ability to sing with his deep baritone voice.
But, he left Hollywood because there were not enough substantial , non stereotypical roles for him. He went to the UK and while working internationally learned about struggles in Europe, Africa, and Asia by working class folks and people who were marginalized. He related that back to the struggle of Black folks and other people of color in the US and began speaking out. Paul spoke in favor of workers rights, against segregation and lynching, he denounced facism and apartheid, etc. And because of this and his support for communist China, Russia, and anti colonialist African movements, they blacklisted him, harrassed him, and took away his fame, passport, and ability to work. Paul would come back to performing later in life but struggle with depression, suicide, financial troubles, and drugs. He died in Philadelphia in 1976.
But many remember him for the folk songs he sang, his words and actions of protest, and his expressions of great solidarity between Black people, Jewish folks, the Japanese during WW2, workers in Wales, Mexico, learning and speaking 12+ languages, starring in 13 films, recording 6 albums, and inspiring younger artists and activists.
Sources: Black Past, Toronto Int’l Film Fest, IMDB, Quboz, Wikipedia
Dig this? Check out the Combahee River Collective, Nelson Vails,
