Articles

CBC Chair Marcia Fudge's Remarks at the Arena Stage American Voice Awards

Washington, DC, January 17, 2014
On Thursday, January 16, 2014, CBC Chair Marcia Fudge received the Arena Stage American Voice Award for her support of the arts. The Award was given on the opening night of "The Tallest Tree in the Forest", a play chronicling the life and legacy of Paul Robeson.

Good evening. I'd like to thank Arena Stage and all those involved for this honor. I am humbled to receive the American Voice Award and join the ranks of so many people I admire and respect including my fellow CBC Member Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

I want to thank my friends, colleagues and staff for being here to share this evening with me. This production brings the story of the great Paul Robeson - the performer, the human rights activist, the intellectual and the athlete - to contemporary audiences. I look forward to enjoying the show. Thank you all for being here.

Tonight, we celebrate the importance of the literary arts and the artist creating social change, something to which Paul Robeson dedicated his life and his career. Before he was a well-known performer, Mr. Robeson, the son of slaves, was an individual who people couldn't quite fit in a box. He was the third black student at Rutgers University where he graduated as valedictorian and received numerous awards for his oratorical skills.

He was elected Phi Beta Kappa, and he was the first and only all-American player who won 15 letters in varsity sports at the school. For his political activity, Mr. Robeson was blacklisted and had his passport taken away - an indication of how powerful his voice had truly become around the world. You see, the arts provide both the artist and audience a unique opportunity to do so much. The arts provide opportunities for stories to be told in ways that help us better understand ourselves and the human condition.

The arts also provide the opportunity to take action - even if at times, it makes us a little uncomfortable. As Members of Congress, we too have a unique opportunity to influence policy. This is what I try to do with the opportunity I've been given to represent the people of Ohio's 11th district and as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge a great artist we lost last week. Mr. Amiri Baraka, who once paid tribute to Paul Robeson at the Lincoln Theater, not too far from here.

Thank you again for this great honor and I hope you enjoy tonight's show.