This comprehensive biography explores the tumultuous and
passionate life of activist, singer, and actor Paul Robeson.
When faced with the decision to remain silent or be ostracized, Paul
Robeson chose to sing, shout, and speak out. Sing and Shout: The
Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson explores how Robeson’s love of
African American spirituals and deep empathy towards the suffering of
others drove his long, fervent mission as a civil rights activist and
his career as an artist. Although he was also an actor, singing was
Robeson’s defining talent and where he could best express himself.
After exploring socialism, Robeson was targeted by the U.S.
government for speaking out about discrimination against African
Americans and for his political views. He was labeled a communist
during the height of the Cold War and found himself stripped of his
U.S. passport. But Robeson never gave in and continued to perform and
speak out. The book is based on author Susan Goldman Rubin’s
extensive research, including fieldwork in Harlem, NY, in Princeton
and Somerville, NJ, and at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
Includes an author’s note, resources, source notes, index, and a
preface by author Harry Belafonte.