Paul Robeson
Source:
Messages to the Congress of the People, Kliptown, Johannesburg, 25th and 26th
of June, 1955,
http://historicalpapers-atom.wits.ac.za/ad1812-eg3-2-3-3-001-jpeg-pdf
(Wits University Research Archives, University of the Witswatersrand,
South Africa), pages 2-3.
Transcription: Juan Fajardo.
Fair Use: Marxists Internet Archive (2023).
From:
Paul Robeson: United States of America:
Heartfelt greetings to you all – African, European, Indian and Coloured – rallying for freedom at the Congress of the People.
The history-making Bandung Conference of Asian and African nations has focused the eyes of the world upon you, and its resolution in your behalf reflected the sympathy and support which your struggles have evoked in the hearts of freedom-lovers everywhere.
Bandung, where more than half the world’s peoples spoke out in united opposition to colonialism and racialism, and for the policy of peaceful co-existence, was vivid evidence that the old order of imperialist rule and white supremacy is doomed. Yes, here was a demonstration to the whole world that this is truly an epoch of liberation.
That conference of the 29 Asian and African powers has had a profound effect upon public opinion here in the United States, and its meaning was especially noted by the Negro people who are linked with Africa by the bonds of kinship and with oppressed people everywhere by the bonds of common aspirations. This growing interest among our people will surely evoke much greater support and assistance for you, and no doubt those of us who have long been devoted to your cause will be joined in this good work by many others.
Our struggle here for equal rights for the Negro people continues and grows stronger despite the stubborn resistance of those who once enslaved us and who are determined to maintain the system of oppression and exploitation which has denied us true freedom in all the years since the overthrow of chattel slavery.
The Supreme Court decision which outlawed Jim Crow schools last year is defied by the rulers of the Southern States, and our people face a long and difficult struggle to gain – in deed as well as on paper – the right to unsegregated education for our children. Likewise, the struggle for equal rights in employment, housing, political representation and in all other matters continues to be waged by the Negro people and our allies among the common people of America.
Here, as in your homeland, leaders of the liberation movement are persecuted, and repressive attacks are being made against American supporters of your cause. But despite all difficulties, full freedom shall be won – in Mississippi, U.S.A., and in South Africa.
The teachings of Frederick Douglass, great Negro leader of the anti-slavery movement, inspire and guide us.
“If there is no struggle,” he declared, “there is no progress. Those who profess to favour freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing the ground. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will.”
Certainly, the great victories of our times – the rise of a free and mighty China linked with the great Soviet Union and the new democracies of Europe, the winning of independence by India, Burma, Indonesia and other former colonies – are living proof that the people’s demands, backed by their united strength, must be granted.
Be assured, dear friends in South Africa, that your struggles are closer to my heart than ever before, and that I shall continue with increased devotion and energy, to rally support for Africa’s freedom.
Claimed by her people, liberated Africa shall soon – yes, in our day – rise to greatness in the world; and the flowering of her culture from the ancient roots of glory, shall enrich the culture of the world.
Brothers and sisters of the Congress of the People – with the deepest admiration for your courage, I salute you. With all my love, I clasp your hands.