Washington D.C., June 12, 1956 — Testifying before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, renowned actor, singer, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson shared a profound statement that reflected his experiences with racial prejudice in the United States compared to the Soviet Union.
"In Soviet Russia, I felt for the first time like a full human being. No color prejudice like in Mississippi, no color prejudice like in Washington," Robeson declared, challenging the systemic racism that plagued America during the era.
The testimony highlighted Robeson’s outspoken criticism of racial segregation and his controversial admiration for the USSR, where he claimed to have experienced a society free of the racial discrimination deeply entrenched in American life.
Robeson's remarks, given at the height of the Cold War, sparked widespread debate, with some praising his courage in exposing U.S. racial injustices and others condemning his affiliations with communism. Despite facing immense backlash, including the revocation of his passport, Robeson remained steadfast in his commitment to equality and social justice.
Robeson’s testimony serves as a stark reminder of the enduring struggles for civil rights and the diverse perspectives in the global fight against oppression.
