African journey eslanda robeson biography

By Karla Mendez, Lead Columnist of Black Feminist Histories and Movement

Writer Karla Mendez centers the life and accomplishments of Eslanda Goode Robeson, who was a radical leader in her own right. 

Many people know of Paul Robeson and his work as a concert artist, actor, athlete, and activist.

African journey eslanda robeson biography wikipedia

While his accomplishments were wide-ranging and have earned him a prominent spot in history, many overlook his wife, Eslanda “Essie” Goode Robeson. Her life is consistently confined to her role as his wife, but she was so much more. Her talents and intelligence were boundless; she was an activist, a writer, an anthropologist, a photographer, an actress, and a traveler.

She broke barriers and excelled in the various jobs she held and was fearless in pursuing equality.  

Goode Robeson was born Eslanda Cardozo Goode in Washington, D.C., on December 15th, 1895. Her mother’s family were members of the prominen