The New Jersey Senate and Assembly approved a joint resolution proclaiming April 9 as Paul Robeson Day.
The resolution was approved on March 24. Gov. Phil Murphy signed it into law on March 31.
Robeson, who was a scholar, athlete, artist and activist, was born in a three-story house at 110 Witherspoon St. in Princeton on April 9, 1898. The house belonged to the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church and served as the church manse for its minister.
Robeson’s father, the Rev. William Drew Robeson, was a formerly enslaved man who became the pastor of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church at 124 Witherspoon St. in Princeton.
Robeson grew up in Princeton and attended Rutgers University. He was the third Black student in the state university’s history. He was the graduating class’s valedictorian and a two-time All-American football player.
He graduated from Columbia University Law School, but was stymied from pursuing a career as a lawyer because of racism. He chose acting instead, starring in “Othello” and “Show Boat,” among other productions.
Robeson, who died in 1976, was one of the most popular concert singers of his time. He was also one of the first Black men to play serious roles in predominantly white American theater, according to the joint resolution.
Robeson became an activist and spoke out against racism and racial injustice. He traveled internationally, and frequently visited the former Soviet Union. He was accused of being a Communist and was blacklisted from performing in the 1950’s.
Robeson was praised for his advocacy for human rights and for challenging injustice by state Senators Shirley Turner (D-Hunterdon Mercer) and Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon Mercer Middlesex Somerset), who were the primary sponsors of the bill in the state Senate.
“Paul Robeson was only a citizen of the world, but a son of New Jersey,” Turner said. “We are immensely proud to claim him as one of our own.”
Robeson’s brilliance, courage and commitment to justice exemplify the best of New Jersey’s values, Turner said. His legacy is part of the foundation on which to build a fairer and more equitable society.
Zwicker said that Robeson’s story is one of extraordinary talent and unwavering courage. His advocacy for human rights and his determination to break down racial barriers continues to resonate today.
In addition to Turner and Zwicker, the primary sponsors of the joint resolution in the state Assembly were Assembly members Verlina Reynolds Jackson (D-Hunterdon Mercer), Linda S. Carter (D-Somerset Union), and William W. Spearman (D-Camden Gloucester).
Meanwhile, the house at 110 Witherspoon St. where Robeson grew up has been undergoing renovation by the nonprofit Paul Robeson House of Princeton.
Upon completion, the building will be used as a community resource, according to the group. There will be space for exhibitions, meeting rooms and offices. Temporary lodging also is planned.
The Robeson Gallery on the ground floor will display Robeson memorabilia and artifacts from the historically Black Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood.
