Paul Robeson (PS-1)

Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson (born April 9, 1898) was the 33rd President of the United States of America and the nations first, and to date, only African-American President serving until his assassination in 1961. After starring in numerous Broadway musicals and films, Robeson's aspirations turned political. He was eventually elected governor of New Jersey and and later he was elected President in 1956. As President he is best known for his enlarging the Social Security program, as well as numerous other social programs. In early 1956 he shocked the world when he suddenly announced he would not run for re-election, citing health reasons, and in 1958, at age 60, Robeson finally lost a near two year battle with lung cancer.