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Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Social Justice

Paul Robeson Institute Collections

The Robeson Institute Collection features two subcollections, divided by format. Each link below will launch a search in the library catalog for that collection. To search within the collection, go to Advanced Search, change the second Search Index dropdown menu to also say Keyword, and type your search terms.

Paul Robeson channel on AVON streaming video (RVCC login required)

Films available for streaming through RVCC Library

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America's Black Eagles
Directed by Michael Colgan, 1941-1983; produced by Tony Brown, 1933-, Sheryl J. Parker, fl. 1983 and James Cannady, fl. 1983-2004, in Tony Brown's Journal (New York, NY: Tony Brown Productions, 1983), 27 mins
Body and Soul
A landmark film directed by Oscar Micheaux and starring Paul Robeson in his film debut. BODY AND SOUL follows The film follows the exploits of an escaped prisoner who seeks refuge in the town of Tatesville, Georgia, by passing himself off as a Reverend.
The Emperor Jones
With THE EMPEROR JONES, Robeson became the first African-American leading man in mainstream movies and, he said, gained a deeper understanding of cinema's potential to change racial misconceptions. Previously censored.The Emperor Jones is presented here in its most complete form.
Liberators: Fighting on two fronts in World War II
A feature documentary about African-American soldiers in World War II who fought in the segregated US Army and helped liberate Nazi concentration camps.
Nightfighters
Directed by Madonna Benjamin; produced by Jeremy Bugler (Falls Church, VA: Landmark Media, 1994, originally published 1994), 54 mins
Shackled Immigrants
Produced by Tony Brown Productions; interview by Tony Brown, 1933-, in Tony Brown's Journal (New York, NY: Tony Brown Productions, 2000), 26 mins
Song of Freedom
Bosambo (Paul Robeson) is used by Sanders, the British administrator, to keep the other natives in line and satisfied with British governance. Later, Bosambo is rewarded for his efforts by being proclaimed King over all the tribes.

Online resources and digital collections

Digital Collection on African American History (Library of Congress)
Collection of digitized resources from the Library of Congress providing access to documents, research collections, museum collections, pamphlets and literature, newspaper archives, and exhibitions by major institutions.
Digital Schomburg (NY Public Library)
Provides access to trusted information, interpretation, and scholarship on the global black experience 24/7. Find exhibitions, books, articles, photographs, prints, audio and video streams, and selected external links for research in the history and cultures of the peoples of Africa and the African Diaspora.
The NAACP: A Century in the Fight for Freedom
A collection of primary sources from the Library of Congress that provide an overview of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
New Jersey African American History Curriculum Guide: Grades 9 to 12
This valuable curriculum guide, authored by Larry A. Greene, Ph.D. and Lenworth Gunther, Ph.D., integrates the historical experiences and contributions of African Americans into the full spectrum of American history programs at the secondary level.
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Created to fulfill requirements of legislation passed in 1988 which authorized the New Jersey Historical Commission to create these materials, the guide is now available in this digital format.
Paul Robeson - Singer, Actor, Athlete, and Activist
Webpage dedicated to Robeson's time in Somerville, NJ. Includes photos and links to additional information.
Paul Robeson Cultural Center at Rutgers University
The vision of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) is to develop a community where all students, especially students of the African diaspora, participate in guided educational discourse, leadership development, and out of the classroom engagement that cultivates meaningful experiences, fosters positive relationships, and facilitates inclusive spaces where individuals are able to be their authentic-self.
Teaching Tolerance
Provides free resources to educators who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use our materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.