Title...
Proclamation honoring in memoriam Paul Leroy Robeson, an African-American singer, actor, social activist, lawyer and athlete.
Body...
WHEREAS, it is the duty of Allegheny County Council to recognize and honor outstanding individuals in both the County and across the nation for their extraordinary achievements. In the month of February, Black History Month, we especially recognize members of the African-American community for their historic accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Paul Leroy Robeson was a noted football player, singer, actor and political activist. Born in 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, Robeson went on to win an academic scholarship to Rutgers University, where he was named an All-American football player and graduated valedictorian of his class. He then went on to achieve a law degree from Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, after turning away from a career in law due to racial prejudices, Robeson found great success as a singer and actor. He was well known for his rendition of Old Man River, his long-running principle role in Othello, as well as roles in Show Boat, The Proud Valley and many other films; and
WHEREAS, Robeson's career in the entertainment industry is often overshadowed by his international, and at times controversial, political activism. Robeson campaigned against both racism and fascism in America and abroad. During the McCarthy Era, he was under suspicion of communist sympathizing and his passport was revoked, preventing him from performing abroad and negatively affecting his career and reputation; and
WHEREAS, despite receiving criticism, Robeson continued to fight for the rights of all people, until taking ill in 1963. He lived out the final years of his life in seclusion, and passed away in 1976. Robeson was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was the subject of an Academy Award-winning short documentary film. His epitaph reads, "The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, does hereby recognize the fearless achievements of Paul Leroy Robeson, and encourages all residents to remember the African American men and women who overcame countless obstacles to achieve greatness.