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Bob Cole (composer)
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==Family and early life== As stated in [[Thomas L. Riis]]β ββBobβ Cole: His Life and His Legacy to Black Musical Theater,β few details of Cole's life before the transition into the development of black musicals can be found in research materials, including encyclopedias and historical articles on black theater. The composer was born in Athens, Georgia, where his father (Robert Allen Cole, Sr.) and mother (Isabella Thomas Weldon) settled after the freedom of blacks through the [[Emancipation Proclamation]]. Although Athens, Georgia, was shattered by the war in the South and the racist environment of Southern society at the time, it became a prosperous city with prominent African American families; barbers, blacksmiths, shoemakers, and other sorts of community professionals were black. The people of Athens developed one of the earliest black newspapers, indicating the advancement and progression in education of blacks in the late 19th century. Cole's father took advantage of the opportunities provided in Athens, Georgia, and became well known through his political activism during the Reconstruction era of the South. Robert Cole's political role may have influenced his son's beliefs, especially in regards to the conditions of the African American race. During his involvement in politics, from 1867 to 1873, Robert Cole became a part of the black Athenians and assisted the Georgia State Legislature. In the end, Bob Cole's father, with his political side in the background, became a carpenter, supporting his family and his house on Broad Street. ===Childhood years and adulthood=== Bob Cole, born on July 1, 1868, was the first-born of his family, followed by five other siblings, including [[Dora Cole Norman]].<ref name=":0" /> His family was musical; both his parents were square dancers (Robert Cole, Sr., also played drums) and all the children of the household were educated in certain musical instruments. Bob played various instruments, such as the banjo, piano and cello, and created his own family band with the support of his sisters. At fifteen years of age, Bob had a violent confrontation with the son of the mayor of Athens, and had to flee the town to live with distant relatives, of his mother's side, in Florida. A short time later, Bob was reunited with his family after they moved to Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, Bob was able to attend elementary school and possibly high school; however, he did not proceed towards higher education. Instead of enrolling in a college, Bob found a job at the Atlanta University, which became his approximation of the student experience β from the interview from his sister, he was able to gain a vast amount of knowledge due to his knowledge-packed environment.
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