MANILA, Philippines?Imagine the future of a son of an African-American clergyman during the early years of the 20th century: His father was a former slave who strived to get an education so he could ?spread the Word.? The equally motivated son grew up to be a scholar and graduated valedictorian of his class at Rutgers University. He was also a two-time All-American football player, who gave his alma mater its legendry football prestige. His name: Paul Robeson, the greatest black performer of the 20th century.

Robeson crossed racial boundaries. He was a civil rights activist who advocated ?equality and fair treatment for all American citizens.? By 1923, he got his law degree from Columbia University.

Venue

After a few years of practicing law, Robeson, who spoke 20 languages, decided to follow his true love: Music and theater. He appeared in YMCA productions, then the primary venue for colored performers in New York. He followed his heart and became a dazzling singer, as well as a critically praised classical actor.

Robeson was an outstanding performer. Composer Jerome Kern and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II had only his basso cantante voice in mind when they composed ?Ol? Man River? for their musical adaptation of Edna Ferber?s novel, ?Show Boat.? His definitive interpretation of the song in its 1936 film version was show-stopping and unforgettable! Eugene O?Neill wrote ?Emperor Jones? and ?All God?s Children Got Wings? with Robeson in mind.

Robeson also appeared in the Broadway production of Gershwin?s American opera, ?Porgy and Bess.? He opened doors for other colored performers like Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, as well as Denzel Washington, Halle Berry and Forest Whitaker. Despite the professional problems that other black performers after him encouraged, none of them could equal what Robeson had to overcome in the ?30s and ?40s.

In 1930, Robeson became the toast of London?s West End when he became the first black actor to portray Othello. (His Desdemona was Dame Peggy Ashcroft.)

Harassment

To escape racial harassment in America, Robeson and his wife resided in London for years. But he had to eventually return to America when his name was included in the Nazi Black Book.

In 1956, he became a target of both the CIA and House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). But, he fearlessly fought back and declared: ?My father was a slave, and my people died to build this country. I?m going to stay here and have a part of it?just like you! No fascist-minded people will drive me from it, is that clear?? He was the first witness to turn the tables on that bullying committee!