The great contralto Marian Anderson was refused the use of Constitution Hall for a performance on Easter Sunday, 1939, because she was Black. After Eleanor Roosevelt and others protested, she was granted the Lincoln Memorial for her performance instead. When she came to Washington every hotel refused her because of her race. So she stayed in a private residence.
I’m grateful to have seen Marian Anderson on TV when I was a child. My parents spoke of her with deep respect and appreciation, and I vividly remember the power and beauty in her singing.
Please watch this beautiful short video highlighting her appearance at the Lincoln Memorial. It’s a magnificent example of courageous performing. And it is so fitting at this time of year and at this time in history
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