Type: Exhibition caption
Detail: Paul Robeson held many professions including football player, lawyer, humanitarian, activist, actor, and singer. One of his most popular performances was his portrayal of stevedore Joe in the 1932 Broadway production of Show Boat. The song “Ol’ Man River” was written specifically for Robeson by Jerome Kern. Robeson attended Rutgers University from 1915 to 1919 and was the third African-American student enrolled at the college. He came to Rutgers on an academic scholarship and played numerous sports including football and track. Additionally, he was a member of the debate team, Cap and Skull, Phi Beta Kappa, and delivered a 1919 commencement address entitled "The New Idealism." Like Ozzie Nelson, Robeson earned money singing off campus. On occasion, Robeson sang at social events including fraternity songfests and university dances and with the Rutgers University Glee Club.