I find myself almost in tears that we as a nation have not had the grit and the grace to take a step back and consider that we are indeed a nation of immigrants, including in some sense our First Nations, who came here from Siberia and perhaps elsewhere so many thousand years ago, and our peoples of African ancestry who came here in chains and yet found the wherewithal to contribute so mightily to building our infrastructure, establishing productive agriculture and creating a rich culture of art, music, rhetoric and moral courage without which we would not BE a people at all. Many thanks for the reminder. All my raggedy-ass Scots-Irish ancestors appreciate the mention, too.
Today I celebrate Labor Day remembering my deceased spouse, parents and hard working ancestors. I will always be reminded of Paul Robeson’s Ol’ Man River, “I must keep fightin’ until I’m dyin’”
Forge Negro‑Labor Unity for Peace and Jobs” is even more relevant today than when he delivered it. Black labor was foundational to the United States — not metaphorically, but literally.
Long before Irish, Italian, Chinese, or Eastern European immigrants arrived, enslaved African labor built the economy, the infrastructure, the agricultural wealth, and the polotical base of the nation. Labor Day 2026, his warning is playing out in real time.
Thank you, Dr. Glaude, for another powerful message by one of our beloved warriors- Paul Robeson!
Amen Sir, beautifully written and spoken from the heart, the mind and soul.
O
I find myself almost in tears that we as a nation have not had the grit and the grace to take a step back and consider that we are indeed a nation of immigrants, including in some sense our First Nations, who came here from Siberia and perhaps elsewhere so many thousand years ago, and our peoples of African ancestry who came here in chains and yet found the wherewithal to contribute so mightily to building our infrastructure, establishing productive agriculture and creating a rich culture of art, music, rhetoric and moral courage without which we would not BE a people at all. Many thanks for the reminder. All my raggedy-ass Scots-Irish ancestors appreciate the mention, too.
Paul Robeson was an important and dynamic voice in American history. So very impactful.
Dr. Eddie,
Today I celebrate Labor Day remembering my deceased spouse, parents and hard working ancestors. I will always be reminded of Paul Robeson’s Ol’ Man River, “I must keep fightin’ until I’m dyin’”
Enjoy a relaxing day!
An amazing and insightful message from a true visionary! Sad that’s it’s still so timely today.
Forge Negro‑Labor Unity for Peace and Jobs” is even more relevant today than when he delivered it. Black labor was foundational to the United States — not metaphorically, but literally.
Long before Irish, Italian, Chinese, or Eastern European immigrants arrived, enslaved African labor built the economy, the infrastructure, the agricultural wealth, and the polotical base of the nation. Labor Day 2026, his warning is playing out in real time.
Why aren’t these beautiful speeches taught in schools. Will we ever stand on level ground?