Reverend Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, Paul Robeson’s grand-nephew, was guest of honor at the “Robeson in Peekskill” Gala Fundraiser in September at Hollow Brook Golf Club, the same grounds where the infamous 1949 Peekskill Riots took place.
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Peekskill Riots, the Living Artist Society also presented separately at the Paramount a program entitled “Here I Stand,” that shed light on the riots and celebrated Paul Robeson’s legacy as an iconic artist and advocate for civil rights.
“Peekskill has probably been one of the most progressive communities in Westchester,” said Reverend Dr. Smith. “What Peekskill does is a remembrance of from whence we have come and where we should be going. I’m pleased and thankful that we commemorate the 75thanniversary of the Peekskill Riots and celebrate the legacy of Paul Robeson.”
According to Wendy Talio, Founder of the Living Artist Society, sponsor of the Robeson in Peekskill Project, “We had a full house for our Gala and over 350 people attended the Paramount with attendees from up and down the Hudson Valley, from New York City to Kingston and as far away as Denver, Colorado.”
