FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Diane Grams 312/440-1860 PAUL ROBESON: HERO OF BLACK RESISTANCE OPENING RECEPTION, FEBRUARY 14, 1998, 7 p.m. ST. VALENTINES DAY PROGRM: FROM LOVE TO JUSTICE EXHIBITION RUNS FEBRUARY 14 - APRIL 18, 1998 CHICAGO -- February 14, 1997 -- To celebrate African American History Month, The Peace Museum will open, Paul Robeson: Hero of Black Resistance, an exhibition of photographs and artifacts from its collection at, 314 W. Institute Place, Saturday, February 14, 1998, 6-8:30 p.m. In the spirit of St. Valentine's Day, the opening reception will feature a program titled "From Love to Justice" including poetry, music and speakers who will discuss the things Robeson cared for most -- love for life, liberty and justice. Admission to the reception is free for members, $10 non-member adults, $5 seniors, students and children. Reservations suggested. The exhibition is organized in conjunction with Columbia College's Paul Robeson 100th Birthday Committee, chaired by Mark Rogovin, co-founder of The Peace Museum. The Committee is spearheading a citywide series of events that will culminate on Robeson's Birthday, April 9, 1998. Paul Robeson, an athlete, actor, singer, scholar and worldwide advocate for freedom and equality, was one of the most famous and respected Americans in the first half of the 20th Century. The child of former slaves, Robeson rose to prominence at a time when segregation was legal and Black people were lynched. He graduated from Columbia University of Law and played professional football. Nonetheless, as a singer and actor, he is known for his performances at Carnegie Hall, his moving Negro spirituals and for the his role as Othello in London. His efforts for peace in the fifites, led him to be blacklisted by Senator Joe MaCarthy's House Un American Activities (HUAC) and prohibited from performing. Among Robeson's efforts to defy HUAC are his famous "Peace Arch Concerts" now available on CD by Folk Era Records. Featured in the exhibition are original photographs and artifacts on Robeson, his life's achievements and on the environment in which he lived including civil rights and labor struggles, the House Un-American Committee (HUAC), the International peace movement and the Cold War. Tickets to the opening reception are available at The Peace Museum, 314 W. Institute Place, Chicago, or by phone 312/440-1860. The Peace Museum is open Tues-Sat, 11-5. Admission is $3.50 for Adults and $2 for children, seniors and students. Guest speakers and interactive activities are available for groups visits. Groups require a reservation. The Peace Museum is supported by its members and individual contributors, Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Cityarts II, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Northern Trust Company Foundation, Kenneth F. and Harle G. Montgomery Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, Polaroid Foundation and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.