Remembering the Overlooked Life Eslanda Robeson, Wife of Civil Rights Legend Paul Robeson
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2013
- DemocracyNow.org - In a Black History Month special, we remember the lives of the legendary civil rights activist, singer and actor Paul Robeson, and his wife Eslanda, whose story is not as well known. One of the most celebrated singers and actors of the 20th century, Robeson was attacked, blacklisted and hounded by the government for his political beliefs. Eslanda Robeson, known by her friends as "Essie," was an author, an anthropologist and and a globally connected activist who worked to end colonialism in Africa, and racism in the United States. We're joined by historian Barbara Ransby, author of the new biography, "Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson."
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This bears repeating, Paul Robeson was the most supremely gifted, accomplished man ever to walk this earth. No man, nobody, had such an array of intellectual and physical gifts. Not even Ripley's believe it or not would do a story on this man. They wouldn't believe it. Perhaps the greatest athlete in the world, he was also our greatest intellectual. This real life super hero also had a vocal gift only god himself could surpass. Through that golden throat he spoke between 12 and 20 languages fluently! If I were to estimate Robesons IQ it would probably be in the range of 200. Perhaps beyond. Stage actor, singer, activist and yes, Communist. Could you blame him? What did democracy ever do for the black man but deficate on him. Because of his divine gifts the white establishment did all they could do to silence his genius. A great line from the epic The Ten Commandments has Ramesses stating, "Envy is for the weak." He was right . What could be more threatening to these mindless brutes than a man who surpassed them in every conceivable way? Worse in their eyes, a black man. Had a white man possessed these attributes he would have been declared the greatest figure in world history. Robeson was anyway.
His belief in communism didn't help. Very threatening to the white establish ment at the time.
We came to the States in 1980- Goddaddy was already dead. My life would have been a lot easier had Paul Leroy or Aunt Essie been alive- I'm a Rennaissance as well.
His voice even on this recording is magnificent.
His voice is smooth like honey. Very pleasant to hear him even just speaking.
Mr. Robeson was and always will be a true American Hero.
He IS America 🇺🇸
Thank you for this superb video about Paul and Eslanda Robeson. What fantastic people they were.in fighting for, not only their own, but every Black African civil rights and what a struggle it took. It never should have taken so long. However, we will always remember.
I have loved and looked up to this man ever since I was a teenager.
me too
Wow. Extremely impressed with his wife.✨💎✨ He would not been so great without her. They need & deserve a movie! 👏🏽 🌍🥇🏆⚡️
Just learned about Eslanda Robeson today.
It was interesting to learn of her contribution towards the struggle of women and people of color for economic, social and political progress. That she was also instrumental in her husband's success is not surprising.
She was a Sagittarius, and her life certainly followed Sagittarian themes, globalism, multiculturalism, education, extensive traveling.
PAUL ROBESON WAS A STRONG BLACK MAN!
I dont know about you but Im seriously pissed off how these amazing people are hidden from me Paul I know a little of but Eslanda I had no idea of, but I suppose its not really surprising it appears if you demonstate a true and deep love for humanity the prevailing ways of the world will do everything in its power to make sure they are forgotten DONT FORGET !!!
Feminists should take note that Eslanda Robeson is still waiting to be appropriately noted as a true leader in the causes of equality and justice. Thank you for this piece of our history...where is her statue?
In our hearts, her statue should be, by that I mean she be a role model for all young girls out there and not MILEY CYRUS,MADDONNA,OR ANOTHER SODDONA.
@@786humaira1 I can live without Madonna but Miley has a lot of talent and has been emotionally twisted by her narcissistic parents
Where is Goddaddy's? Where is Malcolm's?
I am writing on the life AND times of Paul and Essie Robeson!!!
So, did you get pubbed? I'm reading a Paul R bio by Martin Duberman, but was shocked that NYPL only has this one book on Robeson. And Duberman short-shrifted Essie, influenced in part I think by the inherent resentment of feminists in early 20th C culture. The irony is that her personality dominates the bio and makes it interesting, while PR is an emotional cipher.
Essie didn't have the rigid self-control that Robeson utilized from childhood to prevent others - esp whites - so they would not destroy him for being a real-life Admirable Crichton. (Had he shown even a moment of pride, classmates, teachers, coaches, etc would have crushed him until he stopped). So Essie's own brilliance was disregarded by most of their mutual acquaintances, who viewed her as pushy and ambitious and "not nice, like Paul."
We needed more books on both and a full-length movie about the two of them. (Okay, as TV is Art now, I might settle for a 5-part miniseries).
@@elsaandthespikeachoo Remember that a great many working class whites adored them, particularly in Britain, France and Russia. We all wanted them to stay and naturalise in our nations and to not go back to that ill treatment.
@@angr3819 And Australia!
France, Britain and Russia all wanted him and his family to naturalise. He could have chosen any one of at least three nations. How his loyalty to the USA was repaid with persecution. Sorry to say this. America as a whole, as a system, an establishment, did not deserve such great people as the Robson family. Remember they were for the working class of all races and colours as well as American blacks. Don't lose sight of that.
Wow this channel is incredible! Wonderful questions I have learned so much ❤ I really want to read the book on Eslanda!
Such a shame that stopped short, just when the question is asked of the Robesons speaking at the McArthy Co. she starts to answer then its truncated so we don't get the chance to hear it all, I want to hear it all. Is there a part 2?
Yes it is on you tube. His answers to the senile senators of US CONGRESS. I think every young Man whose race or religion people tend to get Marginalised by the government,must and should watch it. To learn the power a Man can develop and use it to help Marginalised human beings and be able to stop that ugly behavior of the ruling party.
The Robesons were a very interesting pair of individuals who were very emblematic of a lot of the struggles and changes occurring in the first half of the 20th century. Thanks for posting -- Why was the interview cut at the end? Any idea how much is missing?
BIG UP RERSPECT !!!!
Thanks for putting this up
I love him, and all he stood for
One of the greatest minds the Black community has ever produced.
One of the greatest minds the world has produced!
Where is the rest of the information about Esi's HUAC testimony?
Thank you
Why did it suddenly get interrupted at 17:09?
The Robeson's were an extraordinary union, especially during the 3 decades of the twentieth century, forming alliances with African heads of state, in addition shared alliances with the black world as was taught us through in class with Dr. Carr. Though not a fan of Democracy Now, The War And Peace Report, Barbara Ransby-author of Eslanda provided more of a "governance structure"" conversation acknowledging Eslanda Robeson as Paul's manager, scientist, journalist, anthropologist and global citizen activist. i was unaware Eslanda was present while the so-called United Nations gave rise. Interesting.
journalist, anthropolist, and global citizen activist. Unaware Eslanda was present during the beginning of the so-called United Nations.
❤❤❤
❤️ 🔥
How do I love Aunt Essie- let me count the ways.
He wasn't the best and most faithful of husbands, Paul. But she was a woman absolutely suited to someone as talented and brilliant as he. It was disgraceful the way he was treated. But, he was far from alone in his politics and thinking.
Hell, yes. He's got his beautiful and talented granddaughter Susan. And he's got me- the Antifa and AntiMajdan Donbass Rebel Queen. What was it he said once? " I saw the face of fascism and I will fight it wherever I find it. " Believe me, he would have been so against the Banderovites!
A great man
When do you want to talk?
Mrs.Robeson was not a feminist
@ 17:08 ??? hm RuffCuT
Yeah!! What's with that?
A beautiful couple in every way. ✊🏼