U Street Corridor in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child"
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
1. "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child" Marker
Paul Leroy Robeson (April 9, 1898 - January 23, 1976) was the son of William Drew Robeson a runaway slave and Maria Louisa Bustill, daughter of a prominent Philadelphia Quaker family. Maria died tragically in a fire when Paul was six years old.
In 1915 Paul won an academic scholarship to Rutgers where he was the third African American to enroll and the only one there during his time. He excelled scholastically with acceptance into Phi Beta Kappa and being elected class valedictorian.
He also excelled in athletics earning varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball, and track. In his junior and senior years he was selected first team All American in football.
Erected 2015 by DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 38° 55.031′ N, 77° 1.866′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in U Street Corridor. Marker is on U Street Northwest east of 14th Street Northwest
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Old Man River" (here, next to this marker); "No More Auction Block For Me" (here, next to this marker); "Wade in the Water" (a few steps from this marker); Dedicated in Honor of Claven Wood (a few steps from this marker); "Stand By Me" (a few steps from this marker); "Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho" (a few steps from this marker); "Othello" (a few steps from this marker); "All Men Are Brothers" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Living Time Line: Paul Robeson
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
2. "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child" Marker
"I make no separation between my work as an artist, and my work as a human being"
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
3. "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child" Marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
4. Plaque below marker
Lving Timeline:Paul Robeson, 2015
Cory L. Stowers and Andrew Katz
Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humaities, Public Art Building Communities Grant Program
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2017
5. Sign to the left of the marker introducing the mural
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on January 18, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 29, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
