This is the basis, and I am not being tried for whether I am a Communist, I am being tried for fighting for the rights of my people, who are still second-class citizens in this United States of America.

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.