It’s amazing that we are marking the 110th anniversary of the birth of Paul Robeson (April 9, 1898 – Jan. 23, 1976).

It was perhaps in 1973 when I read the book, “Here I Stand,” his explosive autobiography, which hit me like a ton of bricks. Above all of his extraordinary life, what struck me the most was his reply to a congressman who threatened to hold him in contempt because of his refusal to admit his membership in the Communist Party.

Robeson testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee on June 12, 1956. When I read his words nearly 20 years later, a chill went through me like a bolt of lightning.

He told the committee: “My father was a slave, and my people died to build this country. And I am going to stay here and have a part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people will drive me from it.”

If this were the movies, it would’ve required a clap of thunder to mark this dramatic moment.

As an artist, acting and singing on stages the world over, Robeson’s genius could hardly be denied. But, as ever, there was something greater than his immense talent. Again, I think it was his heart, from which poured a deep feeling of commitment to those who didn’t have his life options.

It is especially meaningful when we consider that, when he spoke these words, he was surely one of the wealthiest Black men in America – in 1941: “It means so little when a man like me wins some success. Where is the benefit when a small class of Negroes makes money and can live well? It may be encouraging, but it has no deeper significance.

“I feel this way because I have cousins who can neither read nor write. I have had a chance. They have not. That is the difference.”

What would a man such as this think of the bling-bling that has become the core of Black fashion? What would he think of such conspicuous consumption when so many are doing so poorly in this, the richest nation on earth?

Paul was far more than an accomplished scholar, a lawyer, an actor, singer and orator. He was a human being of the first order, who rightly deserved the sobriquet, “The tallest tree in our forest.”

His words have a relevance that continues to inspire us, decades after their utterance. Of his art, he said: “(It) is a weapon in the struggle for my people’s freedom and for the freedom of all people.”

The Bay Area Paul Robeson Centennial Committee is to be commended for remembering this great Black world leader. [“A Hero for All Time,” a month-long exhibit on the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, sponsored by the committee, is on display in the rotunda of Oakland City Hall at least until April 30. Call the Mayor’s Office at (510) 238-3141 to ask that it be extended.]

How much such art as he produced is needed now!

© Copyright 2008 Mumia Abu-Jamal. Read Mumia’s latest book, “We Want Freedom: A Life in the Black Panther Party,” winner of the 2005 People’s Choice Award, available from South End Press, www.southendpress.org or (800) 533-8478. Keep updated by reading Action Alerts at www.mumia.org and www.moveorg.net. To download Mp3s of Mumia’s commentaries, visit www.prisonradio.org or www.fsrn.org. Encourage the media to publish and broadcast Mumia’s commentaries to inspire progressive movement and help call attention to his case. Send our brotha some love and light at: Mumia Abu-Jamal, AM 8335, SCI-Greene, 175 Progress Dr., Waynesburg PA 15370.

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