Randolph-Wright, a cast member of the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, will be presented with the honor Oct. 8 at AEA's New York City headquarters.

The Robeson Award honors an individual "who best exemplifies the principles by which Mr. Robeson lived," according to AEA. Robeson was also a political activist, singer, cultural scholar, athlete and author.

“I am stunned, honored, and profoundly moved to have received the Paul Robeson Award from Equity," Randolph-Wright said in a statement. "My first union was Equity, and at heart, I always will be a Broadway gypsy. I am proud and challenged to be included on this roster of such extraordinary people who I know have changed the world. I may not yet be one of those luminaries upon whose shoulders I stand, but I believe the opportunity exists for each of us to affect every person who can make that change. So much of what ones does in my profession is behind the scenes, and I am filled with the utmost gratitude that Equity noticed.”

Randolph-Wright is currently represented Off-Broadway as the director of Daniel Beaty's Through the Night. His directorial credits also include Sophisticated Ladies and Guys and Dolls at Arena Stage, as well as Porgy and Bess, Emergency and the film of "Mama, I Want to Sing." A board member of the Roundabout Theater Company, Robeson also created the "Different Voices" playwriting program, which serves writers of different backgrounds. He has authored the plays Blue, Cuttin' Up and The Night Is A Child.

Founded in 1971, the Robeson Award was first presented to its namesake. Other individuals to receive the honor include Micki Grant, Sidney Poitier, Lloyd Richards, Judith Jamison, Carl Harms, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.