Paul Leroy Robeson (1898–1976) was one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century, whose influence spanned the worlds of music, theatre, sport, and politics. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Robeson was the son of a formerly enslaved father and grew up in a racially divided America. Despite the systemic barriers of his time, he went on to become a trailblazer in multiple fields, using his fame to advocate for equality and justice.