Paul Robeson FBI & British Intelligence Files, and Newspaper Articles
This collection contains a total of 3,893 pages of FBI and British intelligence files, and American newspaper articles covering Paul and Essie Robeson.
Paul Leroy Robeson (1898 – 1976) was a stage and film actor, recording artist, professional football player, and political activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.
In 1915, Robeson won an academic scholarship to Rutgers College, where he was the only African American student. While at Rutgers, he was twice named a consensus All-American in football and was elected class valedictorian. He received a law degree from Columbia Law School while playing in the National Football League. He became a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Robeson starred in both stage and film versions of The Emperor Jones and Show Boat and established an immensely popular international screen and singing career. Robeson spoke out against racism and became a world activist and was blacklisted during the era of McCarthyism in the 1950s.
He came under the scrutiny of the FBI for his involvement with the Council on African Affairs (CAA).
FBI Files
2,990 pages of files copied from FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., covering Paul and Eslanda Robeson. Files document a security investigation during the 1940's through 60's of the well-known singer and actor and his wife who were affiliated with the Communist Party and Communist Party front groups. Files contain various information, memos, informant accounts, miscellany, newspaper, and magazine articles concerning the Robesons' political activity and travels.
British Security Service Files
387 pages of British Security Service files covering the Robesons due to their pro-communist activities while visiting the United Kingdom. The files date from 1936 to 1955.
Newspapers
320 full-sheet newspaper pages from regional and African American newspapers from around the United States. Each containing an article concerning Robeson’s career, marriage, or political activities.
