Paul Robeson was an internationally acclaimed singer and actor, civil rights activist, scholar and champion athlete and yet most students at Valley College pleaded ignorance when asked who he was.
On Wednesday that should change when the college hosts its "Paul Robeson Centennial Celebration," marking the 100th anniversary of Robeson's birth.
"[The centennial] provides us with an opportunity to educate our students and celebrate Paul Robeson's accomplishments," said Yasmin Delahoussaye, dean of students.
"It's a golden opportunity to honor one of the most gifted African Americans ever."
The program includes a biographical film on Robeson, written and produced by a member of the school's cinema department.
Other highlights include a discussion of Robeson's political views and how they fit in with popular views of the day, an appreciation of Robeson's musical performances and a showing of the 1935 version of "Showboat" in which Robeson made his most legendary recording of "Old Man River."
