Father James Valley Edwards was a laborer and religion instructor. Mother Annie Mae Johnson was a Baptist minister.
Served in the United States Army during World War II.
After high school he fought Golden Gloves and then became a professional boxer before going to college.
Acting career went off the rails because he refused to tell the FBI agents who were interviewing him on behalf of the House Un-American Activities Committee anything about Paul Robeson or anyone else.
After being discharged from the Army he became a member of Langston Hughes' Skyloft Players in Chicago.
Graduated from Knoxville College.
Taught acting and directed plays at the Ebony Showcase Theater in Los Angeles.
Toured the US in a string of socially conscious plays.