Paul Robeson - a great athlete, actor, singer, and scholar - was a pioneer in promoting political and material support to the liberation movement of South Africa. A courageous fighter against racism and colonialism, he suffered persecution during the "cold war" but stood firm.

The United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid held a special meeting on his 80th birthday to pay tribute to him.

On October 11, 1978, the United Nations bestowed an award on him posthumously in recognition of his great contribution to the international campaign against apartheid.

His centenary was observed in many cities in the United States and in London in April 1998.

• A Brief Biography
• Message to the Conference of the ANC, December 1954
• Tribute to Paul Robeson by Yusuf Dadoo
• Message to the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid on the Observance of the 80th Anniversary of the Birth of Paul Robeson, 8 April 1978
• Statement by Mfanafuthi (Johnny) Makatini, ANC Representative at the United Nations, at the Meeting of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, on the 80th Birthday of Paul Robeson, 10 April 1978
• Statement by Leslie O Harriman (Nigeria) at a special meeting of the Special Committee against Apartheid to pay tribute to Paul Robeson on his 80th birthday, 10 April 1978