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.