Paul Robeson honoured

["Michael Keaney" <michael.keaney@xxxxxx>]

Paul Robeson honoured

Friday October 11, 2002
The Guardian

Singer, actor and black activist Paul Robeson was honoured yesterday with an
English Heritage blue plaque, unveiled by jazz singer Cleo Laine at
Robeson's former home in Hampstead, north London.

Dame Cleo said: "Paul Robeson's name should be lauded in America and the
world, as is Dr Martin Luther King's. If he had renounced his political
beliefs during the turbulent time he lived in the USA, there would now be a
public holiday in his name.

"As he once said (and I believe to be true), 'I have been part of the
protest movement my whole life.' And he sang like an angel too."

Robeson's son, Paul Junior, attended the ceremony, saying the plaque
recorded a significant period of his father's artistic and political growth
in London. And, he added: "It will remind us all of the deep mutual
affection between my father and the peoples of the UK."

Robeson's powerful, warm bass voice is perhaps best known for Ol' Man River
in Showboat. Others will remember a heroic figure in the struggle against
fascism, colonialism and racism.




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