[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E537]]



 INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION TO ISSUE PAUL ROBESON COMMEMORATIVE 
                                 STAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution, with Mr. 
Pallone, expressing the Sense of Congress that the Citizens' Stamp 
Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that a 
commemorative stamp be issued in honor of Paul Leroy Robeson's 
centennial birthday, April 9, 1998.
  Few Americans can surpass the contributions of such an extraordinary 
man. Robeson was a fearless advocate for the cause of human dignity and 
justice, both in the United States and throughout the world. As an 
actor, singer, athlete, lawyer, and activist, Paul Robeson inspired the 
spirit and lives of millions of people.
  The United States Government desperately tried to silence Paul 
Robeson during the repressive McCarthy era. The State Department 
revoked his passport for some pro-Soviet statements, and the House 
Committee on Un-American Activities attacked him. But Paul Robeson 
continued to speak out on behalf of freedom and civil rights.
  To commemorate the centennial of his birthday, April 9, 1998, the 
Paul Robeson 100th Birthday Committee launched a national grassroots 
petition drive to ask the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a 
Paul Robeson postage stamp. The Campaign collected nearly 90,000 
letters and signatures in behalf of this request. Numerous Members of 
the 105th Congress also signed letters to the Citizens Advisory 
Committee in support of the stamp.
  Despite this outpouring of enthusiasm, the Citizens Stamp Advisory 
Committee turned down the request. Our Resolution expresses the Sense 
of Congress that our country should honor Paul Robeson with the 
issuance of a commemorative stamp.
  Thousands of people will mark Robeson's 100th birthday with 
celebrations across the country. But this accomplished American may not 
be well-known to younger generations. The issuance of such a stamp 
would not only be a fitting tribute to Paul Robeson, but also an 
excellent opportunity to educate new generations about his 
contributions to the arts, politics, sports, and the movement for 
social justice.
  I urge Members of Congress to join me and Congressman Pallone in 
honoring Paul Robeson and his legacy in American history by 
cosponsoring this Resolution.

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