Paul Robeson was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, born on April 9, 1898. He gained fame for his deep baritone voice and performances in theater and film, notably in the musical Othello. Robeson was also a talented athlete, excelling in football at Rutgers University. In addition to his artistic achievements, Robeson was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. He used his platform to speak out against racism and oppression, both in the United States and globally. His activism led to significant challenges, including government surveillance and blacklisting during the McCarthy era.