The stars come out for Paul Robeson NEWARK, N.J. * The The Paul Robeson Foundation held its Paul Robeson Voice of a Millennium gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) here Nov. 28. The event was a homecoming long overdue for Robeson. Robeson was born in Princeton, N.J. April 9, 1898 and graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He was Phi Beta Kappa, twice All-American in football, and first Rutgers player to win that honor. The class prophecy for Robeson, valedictorian, said, "He is governor of New Jersey." But during the witch hunt of the McCarthy era in the 1950s, Rutgers deleted Robeson's name from its records and the federal government persecuted him because of his principled defense of socialism, equality and peace. These days, Paul Robeson's legacy is again being remembered and honored as it was at the Millennium Gala, a fundraiser for the Paul Robeson Foundation. Before the gala, across the street from NJPAC, at the Robert Treat Hotel, the Paul Robeson Humanitarian Awards Dinner was chaired by Marilyn Robeson, wife of Paul Robeson Jr. Those receiving the Robeson Humanitarian Award included a number of business and civic leaders in the Newark-New York metro area including former New York Mayor David Dinkins and Russell Simmons of Def Jam Recordings and the clothing line, Phat Farm. Simmons has founded the non-profit Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation dedicated to providing children significant exposure to the arts and providing exhibition opportunities for emerging artist of color. Carl Banks, former linebacker for the New York Giants football team and currently the New York Jets' director of player development, hosted the "Reading of Achievements" at the awards dinner Later I asked Banks if he was in favor of the Post Office issuing a Paul Robeson stamp. Without hesitation, he said, "Yes!" Young people who are in sports should take a lesson from Robeson, Banks said, and achieve in academics as well. "Sports teaches you discipline, character and self control. Robeson used all three of these elements." Newark Mayor Sharpe James, when asked about a Robeson stamp, said in amazement, "There's no stamp? ... Robeson needs a stamp!" As the ceremony was going on, I couldn't help but notice a young Black woman working the dinner. She was standing near the press table, tall and attentive, listening to the honorees speak of Robeson's accomplishments and humanitarianism. Her face gleamed with pride. I walked over to her and asked her if she knew about Robeson. "I think I've heard of him," she said. On the awards dinner itself, she said, "I like it. It's mixed, Black and white, and I like that." Her name is Cynthia and she works part-time at the Robert Treat Hotel. I began to watch all the workers, who seemed to take great pride in serving this particular dinner. At a moment's notice they organized themselves for a group photo. These young workers seemed to identify with Robeson's legacy and understand that he represented them. This was the real tribute to Paul Robeson * workers were proud of him. After the dinner, we all moved across the street to NJPAC for the gala. The program began with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, under the direction of Paul Mercer, playing the Ellington hit, "Take the A Train." The evening's performers included singer Melba Moore, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, actor Avery Brooks, the Dance Theater of Harlem, which had just returned from a tour of China, and five-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri. Actress Lynn Whitfield, the evening's host, quoted Robeson from his 1937 speech in London. "The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made by choice. I had no alternative." Angela Bofill sang "God Bless the Child," invoking the spirit of Billie Holiday. A large backdrop of Robeson set the stage for James Earl Jones, musician Branford Marsalis and actor Sam Harris, who brought the house down with "Bridge over Troubled Waters." Whitney Houston sang an a cappella "I Love You, Porgy" from Porgy and Bess. Afterwards she talked about her grandparents' friendship with the Robeson family. Her husband, singer Bobby Brown, also performed. Completing the evening were performances from actor Ossie Davis, the Marble Collegiate Community Mass Choir, the New Hope Baptist Church Youth Choir and gospel singer Cissy Houston, Whitney's mother. Much was said during the evening about Robeson's courage, humanitarianism, honesty ... but nothing about him being a Communist. Still, it was clear that, as Communist Party Executive Vice Chairman Jarvis Tyner said on the occasion of Robeson's 100th birthday * "Paul Robeson is back by popular demand." A week later the Newark Star-Ledger named Robeson one of its 100 greatest athletes of the century. Amina Baraka _______________________________________________ Leninist-International mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.wwpublish.com/mailman/listinfo/leninist-international
