In Russia I felt for the first time like a full human being. No color prejudice like in Mississippi, no color prejudice like in Washington. It was the first time I felt like a human being.

He tried out for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team and his resolve to make the squad was tested as his teammates engaged in unwarranted and excessive play arguably precipitated by racism. [citation needed] During the height of the Cold War it became increasingly difficult in the US to hear Robeson sing on commercial radio buy his music or see his films. the people of the lands of Socialism want peace dearly".

During World War II he supported America's war efforts and won accolades for his portrayal of Othello on Broadway. His right to travel was eventually restored by Kent v. Robeson initiated his international artistic résumé with a theatrical role in Great Britain before settling in London for the next several years with his wife Essie.