Ballad of an America: What does Paul Robeson's Life Teach Us?

Ballad of an America: What does Paul Robeson's Life Teach Us?

Author: DSA Religion and Socialism Commission March 19, 2021 Duration: 1:00:46
On Tuesday, February 16th, Charles Howard, University Chaplain and Vice President for Social Equity and Community at the University of Pennsylvania, spoke with Lawrence Ware, co-editor of "Ballad of an American," the first-ever graphic biography of Paul Robeson, about Robeson's relevance for today. Paul Robeson was the pre-eminent Black, left-wing figure of U.S. popular culture during the 1930s-40s. Concert singer, film actor, public personality, his "Ballad for Americans" was heard by millions of radio listeners. Idolized across large parts of Europe, his records heard widely in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Robeson was struck down by McCarthyism. His legend and his lessons remain. The event was co-sponsored by the Afrosocialists and Socialists of Color Caucus (AFROSOC) of DSA, the DSA Fund, and the International Committee of DSA, along with the Religion and Socialism Working Group of DSA. You can order the book from Rutgers University Press and receive a 30% discount on it and all books sitewide by using the code DSA RUP at checkout.

The Religious Socialism Podcast, presented by the DSA Religion and Socialism Commission, explores the often-overlooked intersections of faith, ethics, and leftist political economy. This isn't a lecture series but a series of conversations, interviews, and reflections that delve into the practical and theological questions of building a more just world. You'll hear from organizers, theologians, scholars, and community members who are actively working within their traditions to challenge systems of oppression and imagine collective liberation. Discussions might range from the scriptural foundations for economic democracy to the on-the-ground experiences of faith-based mutual aid projects, all grounded in a socialist framework. The podcast serves as a forum for those who find their spiritual convictions compelling them toward radical solidarity, offering both analysis and encouragement for the long-term work of social transformation. It’s a space where the moral imperatives of religion meet the material demands of socialism, creating a rich dialogue for anyone curious about this dynamic and necessary synthesis. Tune in for thoughtful, earnest episodes that refuse to separate the inner life of spirit from the outer work of building a better society for all.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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