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ROBESON: TRUE REVOLUTIONARY

itself on trial, Paul Robeson gave definition to the meaning of friendship. As his lawyer, I met frequently with Ben Davis to prepare our defense, and in several of those meetings Paul was there. His testimony, like the testimony of many other unimpeachable and courageous witnesses for the defense, was ruled out by the judge. But his help, his support and his loyalty were a rock of faith that we all leaned on throughout that terrible trial. Paul Robeson stood up tall and proud, not only for his friend, but for truth, for honor and for an end to McCarthyism in America.

But history does not apologize for its unspeakable crimes, nor does it make amends for its mindless cruelties. It is for us, the inheritors, to inscribe in the pages of history for all to see the full truth of the full meaning of Paul Robeson. Robeson-the inspiration for the now generation. Robeson-the extraordinary artist. Robeson-the revolutionary.

Yes, a revolutionary in the true sense of the word. He was appalled by the status quo. he exposed the sins of our times. He struggled for change. He gave his boundless energies and his superb gifts freely, but most of all to those who were fighting for change-to the unions, to the anti-fascists, to the youth and to the struggle for black power. May his revolutionary fervor live on!

Each of us, in our own life, in our own heart, in our own yearning has a special place and a special gratitude for the man we honor tonight. I know what the richness of his presence has meant to me. I know hundreds of people in the city in which I live who remember, who are grateful to him, and who love him.

"To be free," he said, "to walk the good American earth as equal citizens, to live without fear, to enjoy the fruits of our toil, to give our children every opportunity in life-that dream which we have held so long in our hearts is today the destiny that we hold in our hands."

Paul, that dream we share with you tonight. That destiny is our commitment.

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Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-21 08:18:04