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Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson, also known as Paul Robeson was born in April 9, 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, and died in January 29, 1976. He was well known as an internationally renowned American basso profound concert singer, scholar, as well as a film actor. In addition he was an all American and professional athlete, and a social activist.

He started gaining fame in 1928, when he was cast as Joe in a London Production //Show Boat// by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. There, his singing of "Ol' Man River" brought him so much attention from British socialites. The cover became the highlight of the show. Despite his popularity, racism was not something he was able to completely avoid. When he was refused to be served in a London hotel, the attention brought to his protest forced many big hotels in London to stop refusing colored people.

In May of 1930, after obtaining his permanent residence in England, he was offered to be the main character of Shakespeare's //Othello.// Paul Robeson was only the second colored person to have a big role in a London Production at the Savoy Theater, right after "the great black actor Ira Aldridge in 1860." Paul's performance captured many audiences that the production had 20 curtain calls, a good number at the time.

His personal life was very different from his successful life as an actor. His wife Eslanda sued for divorce in 1932 upon finding out that he had fallen for and proposed to Yolande Jackson, a white English woman. Yolande had answered yes, but her father stopped the wedding because of Paul's race. Paul and Eslanda came to an understanding and saved their marriage.

In the 1940's, Senator Joseph McCarthy was brought to the attention of Robeson through Robeson's work dealing with black nationalism. As a result, Robeson was labeled a threat to the American Democracy throughout World War II. Eventually, his passport was taken away in 1950 with the skepticism surrounding Robeson reaching an all time high. It's fair to say that Paul Robeson was the most persecuted black man in America.

By around 1958, Robeson received his passport, eight years after its revocation. In the years after, Robeson faced depression. He was ultimately placed in a London hospital, where he underwent shock treatments. He then retired to Philadelphia, and kept to himself until his death in 1976. The many accomplishments of Paul Robeson are fogged over with the controversy and propaganda surrounding Robeson's views.

Today, there are some movies regarding Paul Robeson available, some are heart wrenching, depicting a hero who was courageous, and fought for what he believed in, in regards to himself and others.

On February 24, 1998, Paul Robeson received what is known as the posthumous, which is a Grammy lifetime achievement award. Paul Robeson could have been more successful if he had pursued his acting career but he did the honorable thing, which was to be an activist. He fought for what was right, and for what he though was fair. For this he is remembered as a man of honor, he is a well respected American activist.