Centennial Proclamation, Paul Robeson Scholar-Athlete Award Program
This proclamation was issued in 1998 in honor of the centennial celebration of Paul Robeson's birth.
WHEREAS, Paul Robeson was the son of an ex-slave who became a world-renowned scholar, lawyer, stage and screen actor, athlete, singer, and political activist; and
WHEREAS, anyone who has ever been disadvantaged, discriminated against, undervalued or discouraged knows that the need for heroes, dreams and inspiration is like the need for air, and Paul Robeson's excellence in so many arenas has fulfilled these needs and continues to move people to awe, courage and greatness; and
WHEREAS, while his achievements are surely impressive, it behooves us to consider the context of Robeson's life because it evokes the legacy of African American people — the events, policies and experiences from slavery through Jim Crow to the present — a legacy that informs a shared consciousness and increasingly shapes our national identity; and
WHEREAS, Paul Robeson refused to let his success be interpreted as validation of the status quo and instead used his prominence to advocate for civil rights, global political awareness and social responsibility in the United States and all over the world; and
WHEREAS, today, in his memory, we honor tomorrow's heroes with the Paul Robeson Scholar-Athlete Award and proudly celebrate the talent and achievement of King County youth;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Sims, King County Executive, do hereby proclaim November 5, 1998,
Paul Robeson Appreciation Day
in King County, and encourage everyone to join me in embracing the power of Paul Robeson's example to teach our children and ourselves that dignity, worth and power are innate and that human potential is infinite.
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King County Executive
Ron Sims