A Struggle Too Long, Paul Robeson Sings at Peace Arch Park, Podcast Ep. 25
Hear about the extraordinary 1952 Peace Arch Park concert where Paul Robeson, a Black American artist and activist, sang across the US-Canada border after his passport was revoked. This episode of On the Line revisits the historic event, highlighting Robeson’s powerful voice and fearless fight for peace and justice amidst Cold War hysteria.
Publication date: February 25, 2024
Podcast length: 23:57
Hosted by: Rod Mickleburgh
Research and writing by: Patricia Wejr and Rod Mickleburgh
Production by: John Mabbott
Paul Robeson, a globally renowned Black American artist, actor, and activist, had his passport revoked by the U.S. State Department due to his outspoken views against racial injustice and for universal peace. This act prevented him from traveling internationally, including to Canada, where he was scheduled to perform at the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers’ convention in Vancouver.
Harvey Murphy, the regional director of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers’ union Mine, itself blacklisted for its Communist leadership, devised a defiant solution. On May 18, 1952, a flatbed truck was positioned across the U.S.-Canada border at Peace Arch Park, allowing Robeson to sing from the back of the truck to an audience of over 25,000 people.
The episode highlights Robeson’s powerful performance, including his rendition of “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” and “Joe Hill,” a song significant to the struggles of hard rock miners. Robeson expressed his deep gratitude to the audience and the Mine Mill workers, emphasizing his fight for peace and the rights of Black Americans. He declared his determination for his people to achieve full citizenship in America, stating, “My people are determined in America to be not second class citizens, to be full citizens, to be first class citizens. And that is the rock upon which I stand”.
Historian Ron Verzuh notes that despite limited mainstream media coverage, the concert’s success was largely due to word-of-mouth and the strong support from the Communist press and union members. The event was a joyous occasion, with families picnicking and a strong sense of historical significance among attendees.The Peace Arch concert is remembered as a precursor to later benefit concerts and a powerful symbol of artistic defiance and social activism.