Swansea University will be launching a new learning resource about Paul Robeson, the world renowned singer, actor and civil rights activist, and his links with Wales at the National Eisteddfod on Tuesday 3 August.
Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, is launching the resource, with special guest Susan Robeson, the granddaughter of Paul Robeson. This will be Susan’s first visit to Wales.
The Minster said:
“I am delighted to be launching this important resource and it is an honour to welcome Susan to the Eisteddfod. Paul Robeson enjoyed a unique relationship with the people of Wales and this initiative by Swansea University will enable everyone to discover more about this inspirational man.”
Paul Robeson, one of the foremost African-Americans of the twentieth century, was a special guest of the National Eisteddfod the last time it was in Ebbw Vale, in 1958. At that event, Robeson spoke of his love for Wales and its people, saying “You have shaped my life – I have learned from you.”
The bilingual learning resource has been developed by the South Wales Miners’ Library, Swansea University with the financial support of the Welsh Assembly Government and will be part of the new online People’s Collection Wales.
Siân Williams, the Librarian of the South Wales Miners’ Library said,
“The resource highlights Paul Robeson’s enduring links with Wales. It is based on the successful touring exhibition ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing!’ which is now part of the South Wales Coalfield Collection at the South Wales Miners’ Library.”
Paul’s granddaughter Susan Robeson will be on the Swansea University stand at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale every day between 11am and 1pm.
Siân Williams said
“Susan Robeson is keen to meet anyone who remembers her grandfather or has any photographs or other memorabilia they would like to share. As Paul Robeson touched the lives of so many people in Wales, we will be recording people’s memories of him and making copies of memorabilia so we can add them to the ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing!’ online learning resource.”
