Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson by artists Peter Pagast and Ernel Martinez is located in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This mural honors the life and contributions of of Paul Robeson a New Jersey born and West Philadelphia raised Black community leader. A photo realistic portrait of Robeson dominates the mural space with the words around the perimeter indicating his many lifetime interests. He was an athlete at Rutgers University where he achieved his undergraduate degree and played football, baseball, basket ball and ran track and field. After graduation he attended Columbia Law School and became a lawyer. Following that he then found fame as an actor and singer. At one point in his life he was even considered as a vice presidential running mate for Henry A Wallace’s 1948 Progressive Party ticket.

The mural was restored in 2011.