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Last Updated September 25, 2026#

Paul Robeson: Lawyer, Scholar, Athlete, Performer and Activist#

Paul Robeson was born to a former slave, the Rev. William Robeson. His mother, a teacher, died shortly thereafter when he was only five years old. Three years later, the Robeson family moved to Westfield, New Jersey. In 1910, Robeson’s father became pastor of St.Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church and the Robeson family moved to Somerville, New Jersey. Paul Robeson attended Somerville High School. There, Robeson excelled in sports, drama, singing, academics, and debating. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1915.

Robeson was awarded a four year academic scholarship to Rutgers University in 1915, the third black student in the history of the institution. Despite the openly racist and violent opposition he faced, Robeson became a twelve letter athlete excelling in baseball, basketball, football, and track. He was named to the All American Football team on two occasions. In addition to his athletic talents, Robeson was named a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, belonged to the Cap & Skull Honor Society, and graduated valedictorian of his class in 1919.

He went on to study law at Columbia in New York and received his degree in 1923. There he met and married Eslanda Cardozo Goode, who was the first black woman to head a pathology laboratory. Robeson worked as a law clerk in New York, but once again faced discrimination and soon left the practice because a white secretary refused to take dictation from him.

Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson, by Paul Robeson House of Princeton#

Related: A Smart Afrikan History Timeline In Evolution: A RBG Community Project

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WEB 2.0 EDUCATION. Dedicated to Implementing the Teachings of Our Elders and Ancestors. Mission TO Represent the interests and concerns of all Learners and Teacher at RBG Communiversity, TO Bring together all aspects of New Afrikan (Black) peoples life for the purpose of improving our social, political, economic, educational and moral condition in America, TO Encourage unity among our elders and youth, and the Afrikan Family, Community and Nation at large, TO Discourage and abate socio-structural, institutional and individual acts and symbols of white supremacy / racism. TO Heighten awareness and coalitions between all people, regardless of race, sex, religion, or national origin when said groups are willing to work in our best interest and TO promote a Hip-Hop-Black Liberation spirit of academic excellence, prestige and scholarship. Description This Educational Program and Research Project is Dedicated to Further Building the Hip Hop--Black Liberation Movement Connection by Integrating Conscious Digital Edutainment with A Scholarly Self Directed Learning Environment.

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