Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was an American contralto singer born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is considered one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century, renowned for her incredible voice and performances.

Anderson faced significant discrimination and prejudice throughout her life due to her race. However, she continued to pursue her passion for music, and her talent eventually earned her many opportunities to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

One of her most significant moments came in 1939 when she was scheduled to perform at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. However, the DAR refused to allow her to perform there due to her race. This decision sparked outrage and led to a public protest, ultimately resulting in Anderson’s performance taking place instead on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939. The event attracted a crowd of over 75,000 people and was considered a significant moment in the civil rights movement.

In 2005, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in Anderson’s honor, featuring a portrait of the singer by artist Kadir Nelson.