Review Detail

Outspoken dives deep into the life of Paul Robeson. Born to a former slave in 1898 and living into the 1950s, he lived through many turbulent times. As an African American, he experienced discrimination and prejudice. He was so incredibly talented that it is shocking to realize his name is not known anymore when it should be up there among the greats. As one person I do not know how he found time to be valedictorian and participate well in 4 different sports. He was an accomplished actor, singer, orator and used his fame to advance better treatment for black people in America. He saw his legacy erased and himself branded a traitor when he aligned with communist ideals because they also advocated for workers and racial equality. Russia treated him fairly and with enthusiasm when his own country would not give him a hotel room in the city, he was the star performer at the concert. The McCarthy era was especially harsh for him as they tried to keep him from a living, his fame, and his platform to help other African Americans. The author does a fantastic job of bringing his history back into the limelight. Overall, this is a deeply inspiring individual who should hold a place in our cultural conscience as studies about the Civil Rights movements are taught.