On August 27 and September 4th, 1949, violence broke out at two concerts held outside Peekskill, NY, headlined by black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson. Citizens of Peekskill, galvanized by racist and anti-Semitic sentiments and disdain for Robeson’s left-wing views and campaign for civil rights, started two riots that resulted in hundreds of injuries, made national news, and unofficially marked the beginning of the McCarthy era, which would nearly erase Robeson from the public consciousness.

Who was he? What did he do? What did he stand for? These questions must be answered in order to understand what brought him to Peekskill. This first episode of a 5-part docu-series will serve not only as an introduction to the story of the concerts, but it will also introduce the headlining performer, Paul Robeson, the first and last casualty of The Peekskill Riots.

Viewing and conversation will be possible through a zoom link and through participation from the comfort of the front parlor of The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence.

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

• https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89114470494?pwd=ywkqL1PeUctFvt2tzNH6Li2NoK5zUE.1
• MEETING ID:  891 1447 0494
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ABOUT JON SCOTT

Documentarian Jon Scott Bennett has gained national recognition for his coverage of the Peekskill riots of 1949 and his previous films covering under-discussed history including The Pound Ridge Massacre and The Leatherman. Bennett bridges the gap between in-person and online audiences to share the important stories hidden in our backyard.