A powerful beginning for the launch of the Robeson in Peekskill Project!
Our Inaugural Event
Captivating Songs
Powerful Spoken Words
Stunning Visuals
Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Mark S. Doss led us through Robeson's legacy in a narrated showcase of the wide range of spirituals, folk songs, and classical masterpieces linked to Robeson's rise to stardom.
Dr. Aaron Mair, Environmental Justice pioneer, hosted the performance providing the historical backdrop with eyewitness accounts and other personal stories.
Principals of Pegasus: The Orchestra accompanied Mr. Doss led by artistic director Karen Hakobyan. The group's mission is to empower rising musicians with artistic freedom and promote innovative repertoire.
Bass baritone Mark S. Doss, our Emcee Dr. Aaron Mair, and Pegasus: The Orchestra delivered two world class performances of "Here I Stand" powerfully emboding Paul Robeson’s legacy and our connected history.
The first performance took place at the Hollow Brook Golf Club (shown here) - the site of the first riot. The performance was repeated at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theatre in Peekskill.
"Here I Stand" performance at the Hollow Brook Golf Club - site of the first riot.
In addition to our guest of honor at the Gala, Reverend Gregory Robeson Smith, we were joined by family members of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Sam and Helen Rosen – all of whom played an integral part in the 1949 Concerts.
Seated: Reverend Gregory Robeson Smith and Tinya Seeger (daughter of Pete Seeger). Standing from left: Priscilla Augustin (President, Peekskill NAACP), Peekskill Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley, Julie Ruben (granddaughter of Sam and Helen Rosen), Peekskill Councilman Brian Fassett, Anna Canoni (granddaughter of Woody Guthrie), Cortlandt Councilwoman Joyce White, Kecia Palmer-Cousins, Reverend Smith’s wife Brenda. (Emcee Dr. Aaron Mair in background)
We were honored to receive a New York State Assembly Citation recognizing the 75th Anniversary of Paul Robeson in Peekskill from Assemblywoman, Dana Levenberg, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Cortlandt presented by Council members Robert Mayes and Joyce White.
Seated From Left: Annie Woo, Wendy Talio, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Peekskill Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley.
Standing From Left: Lawrence Anthony, Christopher Talio, Peekskill Councilman Brian Fassett, Emcee Dr. Aaron Mair, Senator Pete Harckham, Mark S. Doss, Councilman Robert Mayes.
Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie presented a Proclamation at the Paramount performance honoring Reverend Smith for his many contributions in multiple social justice arenas.
Standing on Stage at the Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill From Left:
Emcee Dr. Aaron Mair, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, Mark S. Doss, Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley, Cortlandt Deputy Supervisor Jim Creighton.
