On August 28, 1949, Paul Robeson, the renowned African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, was scheduled to perform at a picnic in Peekskill, New York. However, the event turned violent due to a riot incited by a group of people opposed to his political views, particularly his outspoken stance on civil rights and support for the Soviet Union. The violence and hostility that erupted prevented Robeson from performing, and his car was even attacked as he tried to leave the area.

This event became a symbol of the intense political and racial tensions of the time, as Robeson was an advocate for civil rights, labor rights, and against racial segregation. The Peekskill riots also reflected the broader climate of fear and suspicion during the Cold War era, when individuals associated with leftist or communist ideas were often targeted.

Despite the violent disruptions, Robeson continued to be a leading figure in the fight for racial equality, and the event remains an important moment in U.S. history, illustrating the struggles that artists and activists faced during this turbulent period.