The Black History Live tour is an annual recognition each February of the significant contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to art, culture, economic development, education, human rights, medicine, public services, politics, and sports.
This is a special presentation in Grand Junction, featuring Marvin Jefferson as Paul Robeson. (York will not appear in Grand Junction)
Paul Robeson was a singer, actor, athlete, scholar, and social activist. A man of deep conviction and extraordinary complexity, Paul came of age during one of the more difficult periods in American history. For more than 25 years, Paul was known as one of the great artists of his generation. Between 1927-1939, Paul lived in London, England where he became totally politicized. He became an uncompromising fighter for civil and human rights at home and abroad and for friendship with the Soviet Union. It was these activities that led the US government to nearly destroy him during the 1950’s.
The portrayals will be performed in a Chautauqua format, which is a first-person dramatization of a historical figure. The speaker’s monologue typically lasts 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A, first in character and then out of character as the scholar/performer.