Paul Robeson: The Life and Legacy of a Multifaceted Trailblazer and Freemason

Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT

Introduction:

Paul Robeson (1898-1976) was a legendary figure in the 20th century whose contributions to the arts, civil rights, and social justice movements remain indelible. He was a man of many talents and accomplishments: a renowned actor, singer, athlete, scholar, lawyer, and activist. He was also a Freemason, a member of one of the world's oldest and most mysterious fraternal organizations. Robeson's membership in Freemasonry has often been overlooked or underestimated, but it was an important part of his life and worldview. In this article, we will explore Robeson's fascinating life and legacy, with a particular focus on his involvement in Freemasonry.

Early Life and Education:

Paul Robeson was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on April 9, 1898, to parents who were both descendants of enslaved Africans. His father, William Drew Robeson, was a Presbyterian minister and a former slave who had escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad. His mother, Maria Louisa Bustill, was a Quaker schoolteacher who came from a family of prominent black abolitionists. From an early age, Robeson was exposed to the values of education, faith, and social justice that would shape his life's work.

Robeson was a gifted student and athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track at Rutgers University, where he was the only black student in his class. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the debate team. After graduating from Rutgers in 1919, Robeson went on to attend Columbia Law School, where he continued to excel academically and socially. He married his college sweetheart, Eslanda Cardozo Goode, in 1921, and the two of them embarked on a lifelong partnership that would be marked by intellectual curiosity, political activism, and artistic expression.

Acting and Singing Career:

Robeson's artistic career began in the early 1920s, when he started performing in black theater productions in New York City. He quickly gained a reputation as a powerful actor and singer, and his performances in plays such as Eugene O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones" and Shakespeare's "Othello" were widely acclaimed. Robeson's deep, resonant voice became his signature, and he began to incorporate traditional folk songs and spirituals into his repertoire. His renditions of songs such as "Ol' Man River" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" became iconic, and he became known as one of the greatest singers of his time.

Robeson's success as an actor and singer led to opportunities for him to perform on Broadway, in Hollywood films, and on concert stages around the world. He starred in films such as "Show Boat" and "The Emperor Jones," and he performed in concerts in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Robeson's international fame made him a cultural ambassador for the United States, and he used his platform to speak out against racism and colonialism. He also became involved in labor activism and supported workers' rights.

Political Activism:

1. Civil Rights: Robeson was a vocal advocate for civil rights and equality for black people. He was involved in organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Negro Congress, and he spoke out against segregation, lynching, and other forms of racism.

2. Internationalism: Robeson believed in international solidarity among oppressed peoples, and he supported socialist and communist causes. He was a member of the Council on African Affairs, which worked to end colonialism in Africa, and he traveled to the Soviet Union and other countries to promote peace and friendship between nations.

3. Labor Rights: Robeson was a strong supporter of workers' rights and labor unions. He performed at many union rallies and strikes, and he was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical union that advocated for the overthrow of capitalism.

4. Anti-Fascism: Robeson was a fierce opponent of fascism and Nazism. He spoke out against the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany, and he supported the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War.

5. McCarthyism: Robeson was targeted by the U.S. government during the McCarthy era for his left-wing political views. He was blacklisted and his passport was revoked, which prevented him from traveling and performing abroad. He was also subjected to surveillance and harassment by the FBI.

Freemasonry:

In addition to his political activism, Paul Robeson was a member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, one of the oldest and largest African American Masonic organizations in the United States. Robeson became a Mason in the early 1920s, and he was initiated into the Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Harlem, New York.

As a Freemason, Robeson was part of a fraternal organization that promoted brotherhood, charity, and personal development. Freemasonry has a long history of involvement in social and political causes, and many Masons have been leaders in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.

Robeson's membership in Freemasonry was a significant part of his life, and he often spoke about the positive impact that the organization had on him. He was known for his commitment to the principles of Freemasonry, which emphasized the importance of self-improvement, moral uprightness, and respect for others.

Conclusion:

Paul Robeson was a complex and multifaceted figure who made important contributions to the arts, civil rights, and social justice movements of the 20th century. His political activism and his membership in Freemasonry were both significant parts of his life and worldview, and they reflect his commitment to the principles of brotherhood, charity, and personal development.

Robeson's legacy continues to inspire and influence people around the world. His dedication to social justice and his unwavering commitment to the values of freedom and equality serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of adversity.