Steve McQueen and Dr. Cornel West on Paul Robeson, Art, and Politics

May 1, 2016: In conjunction with Open Plan: Steve McQueen, Steve McQueen is joined by Dr. Cornel West for this discussion on the career and legacy of legendary singer, actor, and political activist Paul Robeson. This event occurred on May Day, a traditional springtime festival and international day honoring workers. May 1, 2016 is also the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Whitney's new building.

[@sininelevant]

"Anybody who looks candidly, honestly, unflinchingly at the world in which we live has good grounds for suicidal proclivities; if you have a sensitivity to suffering. The question is, can you fortify yourself in such a way that you can transform your sensitivity into a truth-telling, in which the despair is an intrical element, but it doesn't have the last word?" - Dr. Cornel West

[@zorazorazorzzora8333]

X X Wow... suicidal proclivities... sensitivity to suffering.... sounds like me... each day it’s hard to wake up and face another pointless day....

[@kpw84u2]

FDR did soulcraft through his fireside chats tho.

[@ZareefPusha]

zorazora zorzzora you either can suffer for a purpose or suffer for no purpose but suffering and struggle is inevitable. I would argue that the fact you’re here at this video and you haven’t given up completely proves that the day isn’t pointless. I pray that you choose life always especially when wrestling with suicidal proclivities, dread, and despair.

[@allisonclarke1017]

@@zorazorazorzzora8333 Holly cow... They have been doing that to me.

[@allisonclarke1017]

I got two case worker whom just got out dirty crib really.. trying to run my life...hell no . I'm not even talking and see them ,unless it's to kill them Up front with my feelings..

[@cesarzelaya5511]

When I learned about Paul Robeson, tears moisted my cheeks and then, I asked myself, how is that this giant of human being had been hidden from us?

[@jjutt87]

"The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative." - Paul Robeson

[@tatianalyulkin410]

My beloved Godfather and Uncle Paul ( Jr. ) make me feel and sound like Luke Skywalker. " I'm violently antiFascist. I'm Antifa- like my Godfather and my uncle before me. "

[@sdbrookfield]

So terrific to see Robeson finally starting to get the attention he so richly deserves. An example of unwavering commitment to socialism whan the state was trying to demonize him & destroy him economically, socially & psychically

[@nicholasanderson9681]

Check out Stogie Amir Kenyatta's portrayal of Robeson www.paulrobesononemanshow.com

[@gps8958]

Stephen, it is also strongly suggested that the shadow arm of government used nefarious methods to have him unknowingly ingest psychoactive and psychedelic substances. They wanted to assassinate his intelligence and mental health because he had such an amazing mind. Peace

[@tatianalyulkin410]

No. His son, my beloved uncle figure and guiding light always believed it. And after the Ukrainian coup and what happened to my mother in 2014 so do I. " They " killed him. The issue is not open for debate.

[@Philiopantheon82]

I wish every political speaker was that profound and philosophical as Dr.Cornel West

[@Philiopantheon82]

+charles botha, I respect peoples opinions but when someone is talking without facts, well to be honest that turns to a despicable perspective that stems its roots from prejudice. So please could you give me more elaborated argument! Cornel West was and still one of the most elite activist/humanist and speaker of our era, his books and seminars all over the world are witness to his brilliance, hundreds of writers including philosophers, poets and political journalists were always speaking good things about him. So if you speak of facts I am a good listener, if not then I am afraid you must ramble on commenting for ever.

[@bigboyasmr365]

+charles botha one look at the channels you sub to exposes you as a white nationalist. Sorry, you lost this one, my friend. I suggest deleting your account and making a new one if you wish to not expose your far alt-right political persuasion on the internet. Not only that, but as my gracious and kind either above me made note of, the statements with which you speak are plainly 'Anti-' verity in the highest degree. God bless.

[@MadiTheMiss]

Good lord. Anytime I hear Dr. West given enough time to talk a point to completion, I am brought to tears. I remember witnessing Paul Robeson's voice as a child in front of my TV in the 1980's and feeling that same "love that breaks the back of fear" that Dr. West is talking about here. And I wondered how I could try to follow that. Today I'm a singer by trade and seeking my part in the M4BL as much as I can and eager to get into pushing the Breathe Act at last. But it's a long time coming. And I need to conquer all this fear with love. Bravo-- amazing program to watch. (Especially to warm up with truth and honesty before the debate tonight.). XOXOXO

[@kerigriffiths8780]

I'm Welsh,in Wales,we love Paul in south Wales. class thing. not race thing really.good man, we all got one inside.

[@nicholasanderson9681]

My artist would love to bring his show to Wales , Check out Stogie Amir Kenyatta's portrayal of Robeson www.paulrobesononemanshow.com

[@MegaDiva1999]

but he was a Black man.THat hugely impacted his world view.It's dishonest to love one part of Paul Robeson and not the full person especially the most prominent part.Always disturbng when white people say 'they don't see colour'.Unless Ive misunderstood you.

[@redstar7292]

Of course he was a black man and it impacted his world view. Paul Robeson's connection to Wales comes from his performance in the 1940's film Proud Valley. Paul Robeson supported the workers, the class struggle there. He also felt an affinity with the Welsh as they are so musical and talented in music. For the Welsh in the 40's, their struggles and oppression, were essentially a class struggle with the establishment. Hence it was a class thing - not a race issue for them.

[@kerigriffiths8780]

There's black folk in the western world with little to fk all.. .. there's also white folk with same n there's reasons...probably greed...certain it ain't the fault of any fellas skin colour n all colours o man subject to greed, mega diva 1999...indeed you did...misunderstand..looking in the wrong place for someone to vilify..of course I see Robeson's colour.. it's red...same as mine.

[@CarlinConnolly]

@@MegaDiva1999 i think you have misunderstood Keri - Paul Robeson is known in the UK as a socialist campaigner first and foremost and so he is seen as defender of the working class as a whole.

[@lindam9618]

This was just recommended by KZbin. I wish I had seen it years ago, as not only am I a Chicagoan, but my grandfather and great-uncle were friends of the great Paul Robeson. I would like to forward this to my father (who remembers Mr. Robeson coming to his home) and my sister, but they are hearing impaired and rely on closed captioning, of which this video is not. As a big institute one would think this would be automatic.

McQueen and West - true heroes of our time. LOVE!

[@user-ug1kc5ti2x]

Yes indeed, brilliant and exquisite conversation. Yes my people! We are truly phenomenal and magnificent! I love it!

[@theK-uw8xw]

Love Steve McQueen's work, great discussion on international activist/actor Paul Robeson with Dr Cornel West. The Wachowski directors were such fans of West he appeared in both Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions

[@thefreecelt]

Best discussion on the true nature of art I've ever heard

[@hgcollective]

Always grateful to listen and learn from Great Leaders. Authentic, compassionate, connected Leaders who tell the truth no matter what. Thank you so much xxx

[@biraro1]

One of the best presentations on Paul Robeson. Thanks.

[@yjadalyn1]

Beautiful conversation

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@rochellewarren5008]

Katrina was a mind blower. I remember soo well who came together.

[@TimothyJonSarris]

Amen, amen, amen!

[@janedoe1229]

Enjoyed

[@eddiemontgomery7088]

Finally, reasonable perspective on Dr. Robeson.

[@kerryfry1857]

I love Paul Robeson ❤ In Britain know Tony Benn!

[@tazdaniels4869]

👏Both are brilliant, morally principled people.

[@kerryfry1857]

@@tazdaniels4869 ♥️👍

[@nipunsethi9434]

wonderful

[@nathanhammer6328]

Did you see the mic flip at the end?

[@bobhawxwell1606]

I eagerly anticipate a,steve macqueen biopic of Paul . Who would play him ?

[@carllee2218]

I don't just look at the world through Hollywood TV celebrity eyes

[@DoctorFurioso]

I love West but -- well, take a look at 24:42. I'm also very interested in what McQueen has to say and I'm as frustrated as he is watching some of this.

[@IEatBabies404]

I would appreciate subtitles. I'm hard of hearing and I have a tough time understanding them :/

[@IEatBabies404]

Y-Yeah bro? You see close captions as an option on the video? :'^]

[@IEatBabies404]

Wow -clap clap- I'm deaf/hard of hearing my entire life and never EVER thought of earphones :'^]

[@Insert639]

🤣

[@furyvideo1]

Steve Mcqueens thought on JUST DO IT, is interesting to me

[@perryvalton4245]

Steve McQueen definitely looks worried when Dr West gets really radical.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

He hasn't met me yet. I make Cornel West look like a harmless Boy Scout.

[@johnstevenson1709]

In the context of saying very few people are willing to pay the price now a days, the incredible fight for their rights of the people of Hong Kong is the most inspiring story of recent times if we can't make clear our opposition to Beijing what are we doing?

[@phillipcooze7668]

god bless paul robeson

[@billmagorian490]

Turn up the volume.

[@Frank-dv4zu]

brother west is an american treasure

[@grandfresh9196]

To damn good..

[@TimothyJonSarris]

❤

[@Dogen70]

DEfinitely getting the hell out of America is good for an African American to get out of here and gain a better perspective

[@garfieldharrison510]

It's funny he's doing it now. Tyler Perry's speech at the BET Awards was subliming.

[@kimaransom7416]

Thank you Cornel West for telling the TRUTH! It’s amazing to me how Cornel West and Travis Smiley were “under fire and criticized” for their critiques of President Obama at that time. However, years later many of those people can’t deny that had a point. Look at where we are now. Imagine if President Obama did MORE, which is what he should have done.

[@marshallzane7735]

25:59

[@carllee2218]

If art is the revolution like the brother said it won't be televised lol

[@tatianalyulkin410]

There are BET Awards? I want one!

[@Modernart8]

This seems like a Bio-film, due soon! ~ "ROBESON"... DIRECTED BY Steve McQueen...

[@andibelleh9528]

Robert Erniso, I know im a bit late but, I know right, I was thinking the exact same thing as I was watching this discussion. Answering the question Steve asked which was, when did you first come by or knew about Paul Robeson? Well I first came by him yesterday when I was searching youtube and a youtube video had popped up (as it does, suggesting I watch) about a TV host called Mathew Kelly that hosted a program called "Stars In Their Eyes" and on this video it was his very last time hosting the show and on the show was a guy doing his impersonation of the great Paul Robeson and he won by far gaining well over 100,000 votes....I was so impressed and wanted to know more about who Paul Robeson was as a person and this is why I'm here today.....I came across a video of him in Scotland 1949 and how he was loved there too. He was such an intelligent talented courageous genuinely nice human being. As a child growing up the song "Ol Man River" was always known to me but I never knew who sang it, and in a way I feel cheated I didnt know at the time but I kniw now, better late than never 😊

[@Modernart8]

@@andibelleh9528 hopefully one day we will see this Unique epic film done right!, on the big screen, there's tons of unique real-life original stories that need to be told, Steve McQueen would defintely be my first choice. Robson was a huge worldly traveler, i was very impressed how he was beloved from other cultures. Which was very inspirational Great observation there Andibelle.

[@andibelleh9528]

@@Modernart8 thank you 😊 and I agree with you. The movie would be a long time coming and it would need to be someone like Steve Mcqueen to do it really. Paul Robeson definitely deserves this kind of recognition just as you said there are many other unique stories to be told that the wider audience just don't know about.

[@Modernart8]

@@andibelleh9528 are you in the U.K.?.. Who would be your choice for "Robeson".?.

[@andibelleh9528]

@@Modernart8 yes I am from the UK 😊...ooooo thats a tricky one. I havent really thought about it to be honest. You would have to give me a little time to think on that 😁

[@VisionPointMedia]

Watching McQueen trying to interject something around 34:57 is funny

[@ilghazi]

anyone else get the feeling that steve mcqueen looked up paul robeson on wikipedia an hour before this discussion

[@kenneth7826]

Cyrus T....good morning.....no I never got that feeling that Steve McQueen just looked up Paul Robeson...he is a great admirer of this renaissance man...

[@achannel1818]

One like = one 🙏 for brother Tyler Perry

[@Moor2011]

There must be honest debate amongst free people and a clear understanding, and rebuttal to techniques used to divide and conquer free thinkers. Say what you may but the Constitution of the United States is our last and best hope... Can ya dig it?

[@miaash3870]

Is Oprah listening?

[@okekechidi3377]

He was IGBO. Tells a lot about his guts. "IGBO"!!! don't argue or be jealous, just research. Period!!

[@matthewdeepblue]

They can't afford to travel. Off only 14-20 days a year, and broke

[@lisagee3318]

It is never disrespect for the school even though they have shunned me and forgot about the door that was not a gate absolutely hilarious it was the respect to smile when others do not it was not a recruiters door they had respect for me that was respect at the door it was not respect at the door of the school that when they open up the book they said to me you are not on Accord when I was not a Texas Tire they did teach you know what it meant to assist another one to be able to help their self know she had billions and billions and trillions I have no numbers of rewinding sickness is this the reason to build a school to play with yourself jump off get off click click click click click and the respect of another that had no armor that the teacher just goes on a trigger behavior of rewinding and forget the reason she even came to the building I don't believe it was anything about the building that said Play If I must say so myself it was nothing about the building that said play doe the teacher goes to work everyday put in her eyes on the student that they are supposed to help and going home like the school said game I can't believe it dr. West so you know what I did I gave the school Parton I was not the judge highly respected that was not range to understand the difference of sickness of others that is not a new sickness it's a very old sickness and others have had the right that wasn't the left to work with something that is not you put your eyes on and being able to help another is absolutely amazing like yesterday as today I don't believe it's rocket scientist something that is something so simple can be very complicated for others and I don't believe the school they are now changing the whole curriculum of what it means to go to the place they hold a schoolhouse oh somebody their parents are getting tired of the kids living in the basement taking over the house taking over everything okay enough is enough with that

[@nyrethepoet9852]

Beautiful

[@johnross2513]

I’m ‘a privileged white boy’, I guess, though . I first was awed by the demigod when I was 6 years old among my mother’s cadre of leftist actors (‘Jay’ Lionel standard for one). I’m working now with Winniey Maduro, who grew up in abject poverty in the Caribbean and ended up at the University of Manchester with a PhD with honors from Manchester and who did research on Caribbeans in Britain and.as a sidebar know Jeremy Kleiner from way back as my son Matt’s son and rival. (Cornell, Jim Sidanius is a best friend from our activist days in the early 70s.) A former actor/director, I have rebooted my career as a screenwriter with a treatment with a CAA agent that got shut down by the pandemic as it was about to optioned in England when it got shut down by the pandemic. Now I see that you haven’t been able to make this movie since 2014. Presumptuous,

[@DAird-tw7zt]

robeson was a communist..... me too

[@derekjohnalcock8029]

you both got him wrong and cornel does not know what Paul was about because he was for was for all people around the world

[@meetdogblack8277]

Cornell is a ‘trick’.

[@kirkafshar9607]

TOO BAD real Steve McQueen died I liked all his movies

[@lisagee3318]

I'm just so not interested and how many words you want to put together others are not enslaved this is what I'm talking about so now this English I'm going to make it as easy as possible for you to read of you not put in your eyes on anyting forgetting about Mental Health was not something that anyone ever put their and always understood how do you go about maintaining your family that is not the outside that was not the ground in your house cuz a hippo did not work in your house you forgot when you came outside I don't believe it strong that was nice speaking spell When Donald Trump is the president of the United States of America now I don't care how many schools anyone went to freedom of others is very important I don't want anybody to speak and spell free and forget others I'm not interested in times and dates of forgetting language English I don't believe time gets blame with range I don't believe range gets blamed what time I don't believe others put their eyes on Behavior and not know of the sickness of others that is not Damned with people that don't do numbers so others don't get lost simple rich I don't believe they air well cover anyone's lies that only know the Rwandan behaviors of enslaving others and forgetting someone must know the difference outside of an Indian family they would never say blood what would this mean for others obviously you're not reading I don't believe you would put your eyes on anything or anyone and forget so fast clean environment is important what part do anybody play in global warming is Elon Musk going to give everyone a free ticket I'm not going to start somebody needs to smile dr. West I didn't build any school for anyone to be lost don't you know this doctor West don't let me start I know not the word I am ashamed of you I am not I am not one here for time to be lost need you to disrespect you nowhere respect for another that is not the same doctor West without the school

[@zedsmith6338]

not been able to keep christianity from polluting his thought.

[@kshillingford4921]

Shut it devil.

[@sleepyccs]

Why should I care what a Black Brit has to say about Paul Robeson?

[@johnhirtle4300]

Why not???

[@b1ueocean]

John Hirtle let it slide - look at the nickname, ‘Sleepy’... enough said 😋

[@rosewhite---]

Much philosophical claptrap to no effect. The bearded guy -West?- needs to get has act sorted.

[@rosewhite---]

@CHARLES HENRY You are sadly.ignorant. Are you black ?