What We Do
The Robeson in Peekskill Project
The Robeson in Peekskill Project promotes Paul Robeson’s legacy as the consummate artist-citizen. Through annual events and educational outreach, we inspire tomorrow’s peace-makers and amplify the impact of those doing the work in our community today.
Why We Do It
“As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.”
Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson (1898-1976) was a true renaissance man excelling as a scholar, athlete, and artist against the tide of Jim Crow. Through his powerful voice and impassioned activism, Robeson paved the way for the American civil rights movement.
On August 27, 1949, a concert headlining Paul Robeson to benefit the Harlem chapter of the Civil Rights Congress was planned at Lakeland Acres (currently Hollow Brook Golf Club) just outside Peekskill, NY. Met with a violent mob that swelled to many hundreds, the event was canceled.
Undeterred, Robeson rescheduled the concert to September 4th near what is now Blue Jay Estates in Cortlandt Manor. The mob again came equipped for violence and attacked the estimated 20,000 concertgoers as they left the grounds. Hundreds were injured.
This episode in local history was a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Today we are inspired by Robeson and all who attended the concert in solidarity for human rights despite great adversity.
How We Do It
Our events bring together performers and speakers of critical acclaim intersecting the arts, scholarship, and lived experience in social justice endeavors. Audiences from Peekskill, the surrounding community, and beyond have joined us to listen, learn and connect.
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Our inaugural event, Here I Stand, was a 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Peekskill Riots weaving together Robeson’s music performed by Grammy Award–winner Mark S. Doss, Dr. Aaron Mair’s historical accounts, and powerful visuals and artifacts. The result was a living tribute that honored Robeson’s artistry while confronting the violence he endured for his convictions. Read more…
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One Voice, Many Echoes, featured nationally acclaimed singer-activists Guy Davis, Reggie Harris, LA-Soul and Emcee David Bernz leading the community in song and reflection. This inspiring afternoon of music and storytelling was capped off with a moving rendition of Pete Seeger’s ballad Hold the Line, recounting the story in verse. Read more…
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Our panel discussion, The Peekskill Riots: Then & Now brought together a balanced mix of speakers from positions of scholarship, journalism, and lived experience. Moderator, John Nichols, Executive Editor of The Nation closed with words that capture our charge: “Perhaps it’s in Peekskill that we fully understand what Paul Robeson gave this country.” Read more…
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Together, these programs create meaningful connections, spark healing conversations, and remind us that Robeson’s baton has been passed on to all of us.
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Learn more about the project HERE