Labor Arts presents powerful images that encourage understanding and appreciation of overlooked contributions working people make to our society
Labor Arts, a virtual museum which presents powerful images that encourage understanding and appreciation of overlooked contributions working people make to our society, announces the launching of *Old Man River: Paul Robeson and the NMU* on the very cusp of the celebration of Labor Day 2011.
Robeson, one of the premier African-American artists of the 20th century, is well known in the Black community as scholar, athlete, actor and activist. Less well known is his long time commitment to the labor movement and his belief that the achievement of full equality for African Americans and other minorities in our society is inextricably linked with the full equality of the America’s working men and women.
Symbolic of Robeson’s devotion to the labor movement is his close connection with the National Maritime Union (NMU), which emerged from a failed effort by dissident members of the International Seamen’s Union in 1936 to improve the poor working conditions of sailors on merchant ships of the time, and the racial discrimination that was practiced on American vessels.
Using labor and folk songs as the medium, this exhibit explores Robeson’s extraordinary efforts to use his prestige to oppose racial discrimination in hiring and operating ships and to secure humane living and working conditions for all sailors, including African-Americans.
The exhibit documents Robeson’s belief that the union movement – with special emphasis on industrial (CIO) rather than craft (AFL) unions – must lead the struggle against racial and class discrimination.
Showcasing Robeson’s effective role as activist and singer, the exhibit features eight songs by Robeson in NMU settings –vividly illustrating the fact that his many activities on behalf of social justice were an integral part of his political and social commitments. It is no accident that due in large measure to Robeson’s participation, the NMU is credited with integrating the labor force on ships in all categories, both above and below deck.
The songs featured in the exhibit are *Waterboy*, *The House I Live In*, *Ol’ Man River*, *Joe Hill*, *Oh, No John*, *It Ain’t Necessarily So*, *The Peat Bog Soldiers* and *Shenandoah*.
Founded in 2001, Labor Arts celebrates the labor movement and working people, using paintings, buttons, leaflets, badges, murals and music. *Old Man River: Paul Robeson and the NMU* is one of four exhibits Labor Arts is preparing on the NMU.
For information: Evelyn Jones Rich (212-367-8883). View the exhibit at www.laborarts.org.
