Paul Robeson: podcast appearances and interviews

Paul Leroy Robeson was an American bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist. He gained recognition for his cultural achievements and his political activism. Robeson attended Rutgers College on an academic scholarship, where he was the only African-American student. At Rutgers, he was twice named a consensus All-American football player and served as the class valedictorian. He also earned a law degree from Columbia Law School while playing in the National Football League. Robeson's career extended into the arts with performances during the Harlem Renaissance, including roles in Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones and All God's Chillun Got Wings. He became a prominent concert artist in Britain, performing in productions such as Voodoo, Emperor Jones, and Show Boat. Living in London with his wife Eslanda, Robeson starred in a London production of Othello and appeared in films like Sanders of the River and the 1936 adaptation of Show Boat. His political activities involved support for unemployed workers, anti-imperialist students, the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War, and the Council on African Affairs. Robeson's advocacy extended to support for the Soviet Union and opposition to U.S. involvement in World War II at first, before endorsing the Allies after Germany invaded the Soviet Union. His support for Soviet policies led to scrutiny from the FBI and investigations during the McCarthy era, culminating in the loss of his passport and a decline in income. In later years, Robeson moved to Harlem, published the periodical Freedom, and recorded approximately 270 songs spanning various musical styles and political themes.