It was on 4 August in 1958 when American actor, singer and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson, spoke at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Ebbw Vale.
Paul Robeson was born on April 9, 1898 and lived to January 23, 1976. He was an American civil rights activist who also happened to be an NFL star; concert artist; Hollywood actor; the son of a former slave and ally of Welsh (and Scottish) miners throughout the second half of his life.
He struck a comradeship with the workers of Cymru and Alba due to what he felt as a shared resentment from (and of) the establishment. In 1940, his movie “The Proud Valley” showed the solidarity of his character, David, an African American who moved to the Welsh valleys to work as a miner, and the Welsh miners.
You can find videos on YouTube of Robeson singing the Welsh national anthem (though in English).
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DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – October 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.

