Written by Safaya Smallwood

_{A historical marker dedicated to Paul Robeson, located in front of the Paul Robeson House & Museum.}

Located in West Philadelphia at 4951 Walnut Street, the Paul Robeson House and Museum is an arts and cultural center, and the former home of renowned actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson. From 1966 to 1976, Robeson, an internationally celebrated bass ­baritone concert singer, actor of film and stage, All­-American and professional athlete, writer, multi­lingual orator, human rights activist, and lawyer, resided in the house, which after his death was converted into a cultural center and museum by the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.  

Born to a formerly enslaved preacher on April 9th, 1899 in Princeton, New Jersey, Paul Robeson attended Rutgers University, where he became a star football player and graduated at the top of his class. Turning down a career as a professional athlete, he instead earned a law degree at Columbia University. Due to the lack of opportunities for Black people in law at the time, he turned to the stage, pursuing a career in acting, both on Broadway and in film. He became recognized for his talents in theater and singing, playing roles in productions of The Emperor Jones, All God’s Chillun Got Wings, Othello, and Song of Freedom. He became one of the most popular concert singers of the time, with songs such as Ol’ Man River and Steal Away.

Increasingly politically aware and active in radical left-wing circles, Robeson became ostracized in the U.S for his views. He was a proponent of Black nationalism and a fierce anti-colonialist, as well as an advocate for worker’s rights and trade unionism. In his many travels, Robeson became a proponent of equality internationally, meeting with political leaders and participating in activist organizations such as the American Crusade Against Lynching and the Civil Rights Congress. He became a target of state repression in 1950 after a trip to the Soviet Union, and the U.S. State Department withdrew his passport and blacklisted him for his persistent activism. However, Robeson stalwartly refused to denounce his political beliefs, saying “The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”

Struggles with his health led Robeson to spend the last few years of his life in his home in West Philadelphia. The Paul Robeson House now works to commemorate his legacy, centering appreciation of the arts in the community. They host an array of events—including tours, book clubs, author events, and intergenerational community get-togethers—as well as partnering with historical preservation and activism efforts like the MOVE Activist Archive. Their recently released book, How We Stay Free—edited by the collective efforts of Christopher R. Rogers, Fajr Muhammad, and the Paul Robeson House and Musem—addresses the roots of the 2020 uprising and racial reckoning in Philadelphia. 

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Bibliography

King, Gilbert. “What Paul Robeson Said.” Smithsonian Magazine. 2011.

“Paul Robeson.” Airtable.

“Paul Robeson.” Wikipedia. 

“Paul Robeson Biography.” PBS: American Masters. 2006. 

“Paul Robeson House & Museum.” Paul Robeson House & Museum.

“Philadelphia, Paul Robeson Mural.” Soul Of America.