Paul Robeson Remembered

As part of Black History Month 2024, the British Columbia Labor Heritage Centre released a new podcast celebrating the life of African American singer-activist Paul Robeson.

Produced by Rod Mickleburgh, author of a BC labor history called On the Line, the 24-minute show included segments from Robeson’s 1952 Peace Arch concert at the Canada-US border near Blaine, WA.

We hear Robeson speak to a crowd that some estimated at 25-40,000 admirers and then sing some of his old favorites, among them his famous rendition of Joe Hill as well as several gospel spirituals.

We also hear Harvey Murphy, communist leader of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers (now part of the Steel Workers union), who introduced Robeson, “the outstanding American and world citizen.”

Murphy added that the crowd “came here to demonstrate the brotherhood and fraternity of the people of the United States and Canada . . . that we have a common mission in this world to march forward with the other peoples of the world for peace and security for all of us, and for our children.”

Former Oregon vice-president Ron Verzuh, who has written about the Peace Arch concerts, added historical context in several interview clips. “He wanted to see the world change for the better for everybody,” Verzuh said. “That got him in trouble in the Cold War 1950s.” Robeson, a fellow traveler (not a communist), was also a victim of American racism.

Listen to “A Struggle too Long: Paul Robeson Sings at Peace Arch Park” at https://www.labourheritagecentre.ca/podcast/ .

RV