The youngest of five children born to a minister who escaped slavery at age 15, Robeson parlayed his stage and screen fame into social activism, championing racial equality and workers' rights.
But his outspoken political beliefs, association with the Communist Party and admiration for the Soviet Union drew scorn from the U.S. government.
I don't want to beat this horse to death, but would we being doing this for a Nazi?
The article goes on to talk of HUAC (The House un-American Activities Committe) and McCarthyism so Robeson must be a saint if they didn't like him. It even has Robeson's son saying that he wasn't a communist. The anti-Communist Robeson had a strange way of handshaking Stalin. As can be expected, the article offers none of the evidence. He must not be if those naughty organizations accused him of it.
What's missing is Robeson's support of the Nazi/Communist non-agression pact in 1940. Only Nazis and Communists supported it. It didn't bring any great relief to middle America or thoughtful liberals.
Here's what the non-communist Robeson had to say about Stalin courtesy of Andrew Sullivan:
"Suddenly everyone stood - began to applaud - to cheer - and to smile. The children waved. In a box to the right - smiling and applauding the audience - as well as the artists on the stage - stood the great Stalin. I remember the tears began to quietly flow. and I too smiled and waved. Here was clearly a man who seemed to embrace all. So kindly - I can never forget that warm feeling of kindliness and also a feeling of sureness. Here was one who was wise and good - the world and especially the socialist world was fortunate indeed to have his daily guidance. I lifted high my son Pauli to wave to this world leader, and his leader. For Paul, Jr. had entered school in Moscow, in the land of the Soviets... In all spheres of modern life the influence of Stalin reaches wide and deep. From his last simply written but vastly discerning and comprehensive document, back through the years, his contributions to the science of our world society remain invaluable. One reverently speaks of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin - the shapers of humanity's richest present and future.
Yes, through his deep humanity, by his wise understanding, he leaves us a rich and monumental heritage. Most importantly - he has charted the direction of our present and future struggles. He has pointed the way to peace - to friendly co-existence - to the exchange of mutual scientific and cultural contributions - to the end of war and destruction. How consistently, how patiently, he labored for peace and ever increasing abundance, with what deep kindliness and wisdom. He leaves tens of millions all over the earth bowed in heart-aching grief.
But, as he well knew, the struggle continues. So, inspired by his noble example, let us lift our heads slowly but proudly high and march forward in the fight for peace - for a rich and rewarding life for all." - Paul Robeson
A rich and rewarding life awaits once we can gulag and kill all the disbelievers.
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