HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05 Paul Robson CentennialRESOLUTION NO. 98- 0 ~'-
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ORGANIZING
EFFORTS OF THE PAUL ROBESON CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION AND ENCOURAGING EDUCATIONAL AND
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FURTHERING THE RECOGNITION
OF THE PAUL ROBESON CENTENNIAL IN 1998.
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, April 9, 1998, will mark the 100th birthday of Paul Robeson, great
actor, athlete, scholar, author, humanitarian, and fighter for civil rights of people
throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Paul Robeson, son of a runaway slave, rose to prominence where
segregation was legal in the United States and African-Americans were being
lynched by white mobs; and
WHEREAS, Paul Robeson's life of achievement in so many spheres made him truly
one of this century's Renaissance figures and a role model for youth, and included
an academic scholarship to Rutgers, football All-American, class valedictorian, Phi
Beta Kappa, four varsity letters, lawyer, author, and world renowned theatrical
performer and singer who was fluent in several languages and sang songs in over
50 languages all around the globe; and
WHEREAS, as Paul Robeson's political consciousness grew with the rise of
fascism in Europe, he donated proceeds from his stage performances to Jewish
refugees fleeing Hitler in 1933 and he traveled to Spain the next year to support
the anti-fascist forces supporting the Abraham Lincoln Brigade; and
WHEREAS, in our country Paul Robeson spoke out strongly for labor and civil
rights and was a proud honorary member of many unions including Actor's Equity,
the Marine Cooks and Stewards, the National Maritime Union, the Transport
Workers Union, and AFSCME; and
WHEREAS, during the height of the McCarthy hysteria Paul Robeson had his
passport revoked for eight years until it was restored by the U.S. Supreme Court,
because of his outspoken opposition to racism and colonialism and for fighting for
the rights of working people; and,
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WHEREAS, the persecution which Paul Robeson suffered during the McCarthy Era
represents the types of actions the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were
designed to prevent; Paul Robeson was denied this protection and sacrificed his
fame and fortune and endured great personal hardship for his steadfast principles;
and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ashland City Council hereby joins
with thousands of other individuals and groups, including the Congressional Black
Caucus, in petitioning the U.S. Postal Service Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee
to designate a Centennial Stamp in 1998 in honor of the lifetime achievements of
Paul Robeson; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ashland City Council hereby supports the
organizing efforts of the Paul Robeson Centennial Celebration and encourages
educational and cultural activities furthering the recognition of the Paul Robeson
Centennial in 1998.
This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code
§2.04.090 duly PASSED and ADOPTED this
day of ~ , 1998.
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this
day of /~~ , 1998.
Catherine M. Shaw, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
Paul Nolte, City Attorney
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