Paul Leroy Robeson Jr., born in Brooklyn on November 2, 1927, dedicated much of his life to safeguarding and interpreting the extensive legacy of his renowned father, Paul Robeson Sr. Beyond his work as an author and historian, Robeson Jr. was a vocal advocate for social and racial justice, aligning his political views closely with those of his father. He openly identified as a "black radical," emphasizing a shared commitment to challenging societal
norms and advocating for marginalized communities. His efforts ensured that his father's vast contributions as an artist, activist, and intellectual would be meticulously documented and accessible for future generations.
Early Life and Education
Robeson Jr.'s early life was marked by international experiences, as his family moved to Europe. He spent his formative years in England, attending the St Mary's Town and Country School in London, and also lived in Moscow, Soviet Union, where he attended an elite school. This exposure to diverse cultures and political systems undoubtedly shaped his worldview. The family returned to the United States in 1939, settling first in Harlem, New York, and later in Enfield, Connecticut, after 1941. Robeson Jr. completed his secondary education at Enfield High School before pursuing higher education at Cornell University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering in 1949.
Championing His Father's Archive
Following his father's passing, Paul Robeson Jr. took on the monumental task of establishing the Paul Robeson Archive and the Paul Robeson Foundation. This endeavor was crucial for organizing and making available a wealth of historical materials. The archive, now housed at Howard University's Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, stands as the largest repository in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to Robeson Sr.'s life and work. It contains an impressive collection of over 50,000 items, including films, photographs, recordings, letters, and publications, offering an unparalleled resource for scholars and the public alike to understand the depth and breadth of Paul Robeson Sr.'s impact.
Political Stance and Communist Party Membership
While deeply influenced by his father's activism, Robeson Jr. also carved out his own distinct political path. He frequently asserted that his father, Paul Robeson Sr., "never joined the Communist Party or any party for that matter—he was an independent artist and would never submit to any kind of organizational discipline." However, Robeson Jr. himself was more directly involved in organized politics. He stated that he was a member of the Communist Party USA from approximately 1948 to 1962. He viewed the party as a "radical instrument that could help advance the interests of African-Americans," crediting it with aiding the early civil rights movement and the independent trade union movement during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. He eventually left the party in 1962, citing that "it became bureaucratic and corrupt."
Unveiling Hidden Histories
Robeson Jr. also played a significant role in bringing to light previously unknown aspects of his father's life. In the 1998 documentary film *His Name was Robeson*, he recounted a secret conversation his father had with the Jewish poet Itzik Feffer. This conversation, which his father shared with him before his death, revealed details about the circumstances surrounding the death of Solomon Mikhoels, a popular actor and director. This disclosure underscored Robeson Jr.'s commitment to a comprehensive and honest portrayal of his father's experiences, even those that touched upon sensitive political events and personal risks.
