Voices of History Video Project
Letters to the Editor and Editorials, Peekskill Evening Star
The story of the first concert of August 27, 1949
The story of the second concert of September 3, 1949
The Robeson Concerts in Peekskill, New York
August 27 and September 3, 1949Paul Robeson, one of the most outstanding voices of the century, was invited to give a fund raising concert in Peekskill on August 27 1949. The concert was canceled by violence - only to be rescheduled a week later to a partisan and embattled public. Why?
This video, originally part of a multi-media presentation created by videographer Abby Luby, video editor Mike Dimeo, and storyteller Marilyn Elie explores events surrounding the "Peekskill Riots" - a term coined by then governor George Dewy. Using letters to the editor, rare audio interviews from 1949, archival photographs and recent interviews with concert guards and concert-goers the video brings to life this pivotal moment in history. The riots saw men who had recently returned from war, look at each other across a gap that seemed insurmountable. Interviewees in this video talk about what it felt like to be present at the Robeson Concert and the role they each played, concert goer, concert guard or counter demonstrator. As they look back they also express their concerns of freedom of speech, fear of fascism and racial discrimination which they felt so vividly 50 years ago. Interviewees include among others, folk singer Pete Seeger and Paul Robeson Jr.
What happened in Peekskill reflected the social and political climate of the United States as it moved into the Cold War. Photos of the sign "Wake Up America, Peekskill Did" were carried in newspapers across the country as a symbol of anti-Semitic, anti-union and racist sentiment endorsed by some members of the community. The two concerts,which actually took place in Cortlandt, New York, may be seen as an important marker in the anti-communist furor that swept the country during the McCarthy era.
The disk which accompanies the tape contains text of original letters to the editor, editorials from the Peekskill Evening Star, photos of Peekskill in 1949, photos from the actual concerts and web sites of interest.
To order, you may send a check or money order for $59.95 made out Orb Total Media to :
ORB TOTAL MEDIA, 1 STATION PLAZA, OSSINING, NY, USA 10562
This includes shipping and handling in the US. Please include an additional $10 for areas outside the continental United States. For more information call 914-941-3535 or E-mail
© Marilyn Elie 1998
Last Updated: 11/13/07