[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE PAUL ROBESON COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 1999

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to join with several of my 
colleagues, to introduce a Concurrent Resolution urging the U.S. Postal 
Service's Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a commemorative 
postage stamp honoring Paul Leroy Robeson.
  This bill marks an important step towards the Federal Government 
acquiescing additional African-Americans for all their contributions in 
this country. Paul Robeson throughout his career has left this country 
with a legacy that is unchangeable.
  Paul Robeson was a famous African-American who inspired the spirit of 
millions of people in his lifetime. Robeson made significant 
contributions in many areas of academics, sports, entertainment, and 
politics. Paul Robeson, was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on April 9, 
1898. He sojourns even after his death for his magnificent abilities as 
an athlete, actor, and advocate for the civil rights of people around 
the world. The youngest of five children, Robeson emerged to 
illustriousness in a time when people were being oppressed around the 
world, black individuals were being lynched by whites, especially in 
the South and segregation was legal in America.
  Paul Robeson became even more celebrated because of his role as a 
world notable singer and actor with exquisite performances that 
included Shakespeare's Othello and Showboat. In counting, outfitted 
with the appreciation of twenty-five languages, Paul Robeson sang for 
peace and justice throughout the world.
  Last year marked the 100th Birthday of Paul Robeson. It is only 
fitting that we celebrate Robeson's legacy by issuing a commemorative 
postage stamp is his honor.

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