04/09/2026
Remembering Paul Robeson: A New Jersey Legend
Today in history: On April 9, 1898, Paul Leroy Robeson was born in Princeton, New Jersey.
He was a man of extraordinary, multi-faceted talent. Entering Rutgers University in 1915 as only the third African American student in the school's history, he excelled in almost every arena. He became an All-American player for the Scarlet Knights football team, lettered in multiple other sports, and graduated as the class valedictorian in 1919. From there, he went on to earn his law degree from Columbia Law School.
While he possessed a brilliant legal mind, Robeson is perhaps best remembered for his immense artistic gifts. He built a massive international career as a singer and actor in both theater and cinema, becoming renowned worldwide for his deep, powerful bass-baritone voice and his commanding stage presence.
Beyond his art, Robeson was a fierce and unwavering activist. He used his global platform to speak out against social injustices, Fascism, and segregation, while also becoming politically involved during the Spanish Civil War. Unfortunately, his outspoken advocacy and political affiliations made him a primary target during the McCarthy era. He was severely blacklisted, his passport was revoked for eight years, and his career was drastically impacted.
Today, we remember his incredible resilience and his immense contributions to the arts, athletics, and the fight for civil rights.
