Wanda's Picks  

Today we will celebrate the legacy of Paul Robeson, born April 9, 1898. He was the youngest son of five children born to Presbyterian minister Reverend William Drew Robeson (1845-1918) and former schoolteacher Maria Louisa Bustill Robeson (1853-1904). He was the grandson of slaves and the son of a minister who escaped slavery and became one of Rutgers University's most famous and accomplished alumni. He is probably best known as an orator and baritone singer, actor and champion for justice, whether that was labor rights or just laws(http://prcc.rutgers.edu/Robeson/biography.htm)

For siding with the poor and disenfranchised workers and for his activism Robeson was stripped of his passport during the McCarthy Era (1950s) and was unable to travel abroad. This limited his ability to work, especially his acting career, but the US government sanction did not stop or stifle his ability and willingness to speak out for justice for his people, for all people.

We will featured a few selections from "Words Like Freedom: Paul Robeson," a collection of some of Robeson's lesser known speeches. Visit www.freedomarchives.org  We are joined this morning by Bill Doggett, curator of an exhibit on Robeson and other African American Concert Singers in the early 20th Century at the San Francisco Main Library, 3rd level, on Larkin Street: "The African American Concert Singer 1900-1960 - The history of African Americans in the vocal arts in the world of classical music and opera."

The closing program, April 9, 5:30-7:30 will have a birthday cake for Robeson, on what would have been his 111birthday. All will be invited to share cake in his honor. The free event is in the Latino/Hispanic Community Room. An historic photo display of Robeson's life, a birthday cake and a short program will comprise this event. Light refreshments will be served.

Wanda’s Picks will close with an interview with one of three people still being prosecuted in the aftermath of the Oscar Grant III killing (1/1/2009). David is the only juvenile being prosecuted on felony charges. 16 years old and an Oakland high school student, he has an arraignment on Friday, April 10. He will talk about the Revolution Club he is a part of, his goals, why he was at the Oscar Grant protest January 7, and his desire, when asked his career plans, to dedicate his life to facilitating a liberated world for all humanity.