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Performer, Athlete, Activist Paul Robeson Honored
on Postage Stamp
 PRINCETON, NJ — Hundreds of his fans braved freezing temperatures to attend the first day of issue ceremony for the Paul Robeson stamp on Tuesday, January 20, at Princeton University. The Paul Robeson stamp is the 27th stamp in the Black Heritage series issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
Murry E. Weatherall, vice president of Diversity Development for the Postal Service, dedicated the stamp at Tuesday's ceremony. Weatherall said, "With this stamp, we are honoring Paul Robeson's accomplishments, his life — and most importantly — his aspirations for a truly equal society. In this small way, we have created a lasting tribute to this hero of our time, and we are proud and honored to share his legacy with Americans everywhere through this stamp." He added, "The Postal Service is extremely proud to add Robeson's name to the distinguished list that makes up the popular Black Heritage stamp series."
Joining Weatherall at the first day ceremony were Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ); actor Avery E. Brooks; New Jersey Secretary of State Regina L. Thomas; Amy Gutmann, provost, Princeton University; Shirley Tilghman, president, Princeton University; Henry Foner, president, Paul Robeson Foundation; and Paul Robeson, Jr.
Guttman presided over the program; the Princeton University Army ROTC presented the colors; and the Shere Kahn Group, Princeton University, opened the event with an a cappella performance of the National Anthem. The Rev. Judson M. Carter from the First Baptist Church of Princeton, provided the invocation.
Tilghman welcomed the guests and spoke of how honored Princeton University was to host this celebration of a distinguished resident of the Princeton community. Brooks performed a stirring rendition of "Balm in Gilead" and was followed by the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church Choir, singing "That's How Good God Is."
After the stamp dedication by Weatherall, Congressman Holt said in his tribute that just as the people of Princeton once did for a boy named Paul Robeson, let's show young boys and girls that there is something special about them; that they can do great things. He was followed by Thomas, who paid an emotionally-charged tribute to Robeson, citing his lasting influence on her personal and professional life. Brooks then used his artistic talent to re-enact Robeson performing one of his speeches and closed his tribute with a verse from Robeson's signature song "Ol' Man River."
Foner then spoke of the special qualities that made Robeson unique and the work his foundation does to keep his legacy alive. Paul Robeson, Jr. concluded the tributes by reflecting on his father's struggles and his contributions to American social justice. He said he was gratified by this honor from the Postal Service and that the timing was just right to have a postal stamp of his father's smiling image.
The ceremony ended with the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church Choir leading the audience in "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Robeson was born in Princeton, on April 9, 1898. He achieved worldwide fame as an actor, singer, athlete and activist. He joins 26 other outstanding African-American activists, theorists, educators and leaders honored by the Black Heritage series, including Martin Luther King, Jr.; Benjamin Banneker; Dr. Carter G. Woodson; Madam C.J. Walker; Malcolm X; Langston Hughes; and Thurgood Marshall, who was honored in January 2003.
Robeson died on Jan. 23, 1976, at the age of 77. His posthumous honors reflect his wide range of accomplishments: In 1978, he was honored by the United Nations for his opposition to apartheid in South Africa. In 1995, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 1998, he received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Numerous schools, community centers and theaters across America have been named for him.
One hundred thirty million Paul Robeson self-adhesive 37-cent stamps were printed.
 Back to First Day Stamp Ceremonies
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