Robert Duncan was the first African American to sing in a non-black opera role. He was a concert singer, actor, voice teacher, and repertoire coach. He also created the role of “Porgy” for the Broadway production of “Porgy and Bess.”

Source:
In Black and White . Ed. Mary Mace Spradling. Vol.1. 3 rd ed. Gale Research: Detroit, 1980. p.283.