The Paul Robeson Award is the only award bestowed by both the Actors' Equity Association and the Actors' Equity Foundation. The winner is selected by the by the Paul Robeson Citation Award Committee. The award was established by the Paul Robeson Committee on June 1, 1971. Frederick O'Neal was appointed Chair. The award is presented to "an individual or organization that best leverages theatre to go beyond the stage to enact their commitment to the freedom of expression and conscience, their belief in the artist’s responsibility to society and their dedication to the betterment of humankind." Source: Wikipedia (en)