Paul Robeson
Singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson (1898–1976), the son of a slave, brought black work songs, the blues, and spirituals to concert halls throughout the world. Robeson’s passport was cancelled by the State Department in 1950 because of his left-wing political activities and statements abroad criticizing racism in the U.S. and praising the Soviet Union. In 1958, the Supreme Court invalidated State Department regulations denying people passports because of suspected disloyalty and Robeson’s passport was returned.
Singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson (1898–1976), the son of a slave, brought black work songs, the blues, and spirituals to concert halls throughout the world. Robeson’s passport was cancelled by the State Department in 1950 because of his left-wing political activities and statements abroad criticizing racism in the U.S. and praising the Soviet Union. In 1958, the Supreme Court invalidated State Department regulations denying people passports because of suspected disloyalty and Robeson’s passport was returned.