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Civil rights day honours Robeson Civil rights day honours Robeson
(1 day later)
Cardiff is staging the first Paul Robeson Civil Rights Day to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the singer and activist. Cardiff has staged the first Paul Robeson Civil Rights Day to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the singer and activist.
Robeson, who died aged 77, was a campaigner against racism and the first black artist who refused to perform before segregated audiences.Robeson, who died aged 77, was a campaigner against racism and the first black artist who refused to perform before segregated audiences.
He developed a strong bond with Wales and in particular the mining community.He developed a strong bond with Wales and in particular the mining community.
The organisers of the event said it was to provide information on how to protect and enhance civil rights today.The organisers of the event said it was to provide information on how to protect and enhance civil rights today.
Robeson, who died in Philadelphia, forged his links with Wales in the 1930s when he performed in miners' clubs from Mountain Ash to Caernarfon.Robeson, who died in Philadelphia, forged his links with Wales in the 1930s when he performed in miners' clubs from Mountain Ash to Caernarfon.
I do think we find ourselves at a very dangerous time in terms of threats to our civil liberties Alex Gask, LibertyI do think we find ourselves at a very dangerous time in terms of threats to our civil liberties Alex Gask, Liberty
His 1940 film Proud Valley was set in Wales and was said to be his favourite because it was the first time he was allowed to portray a black man as a true hero.His 1940 film Proud Valley was set in Wales and was said to be his favourite because it was the first time he was allowed to portray a black man as a true hero.
In 1957 he addressed the Miners' Eisteddfod in Porthcawl via a transatlantic link after the US State department denied him a passport.In 1957 he addressed the Miners' Eisteddfod in Porthcawl via a transatlantic link after the US State department denied him a passport.
The civil rights day included a "Let Paul Robeson Sing!" exhibition, and performances from Welsh choirs Cor Cochion and Cor Gobaith.The civil rights day included a "Let Paul Robeson Sing!" exhibition, and performances from Welsh choirs Cor Cochion and Cor Gobaith.
'Dangerous time''Dangerous time'
A number of campaign groups addressed the event, including human rights group Liberty.A number of campaign groups addressed the event, including human rights group Liberty.
Alex Gask, a legal officer for Liberty said: "On issues such as race discrimination, which were very close to Paul Robeson's heart... I think we have moved on an awful lot, although there is further to go.Alex Gask, a legal officer for Liberty said: "On issues such as race discrimination, which were very close to Paul Robeson's heart... I think we have moved on an awful lot, although there is further to go.
"But in certain other areas I do think we find ourselves at a very dangerous time in terms of threats to our civil liberties.""But in certain other areas I do think we find ourselves at a very dangerous time in terms of threats to our civil liberties."
Mr Gask highlighted new anti-terrorism laws and changes to the legal process as potential threats.Mr Gask highlighted new anti-terrorism laws and changes to the legal process as potential threats.
Organiser Kelvin Mason said: "We hope everyone in Wales will take up a call to make the Paul Robeson Civil Rights Day an annual event... and we can have formal recognition of Paul Robeson's special place in the history of Wales."Organiser Kelvin Mason said: "We hope everyone in Wales will take up a call to make the Paul Robeson Civil Rights Day an annual event... and we can have formal recognition of Paul Robeson's special place in the history of Wales."