The Colorless Soul Of Marian Anderson

 

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) denied her the opportunity to perform in their venue, Constitution Hall, because she was black. The decision didn't sit well with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was a member of the national board of directors of the DAR. Mrs. Roosevelt intervened and helped arrange what became one of the iconic events of the American civil rights movement in the 20th century. 

Marian Anderson swept to international fame in 1939 with her public performance at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. She was born on this day in Philadelphia in 1897. When she passed away in 1993 at the age of 96 the world lost one of its finest voices not only in song but also in the appeal for universal freedom and equality.

Portrait of Marian Anderson Carl Van Vechton, 1940

When I sing, I don't want them to see that my face is black. I don't want them to see that my face is white. I want them to see my soul. And that is colorless.

For more information on the life and times of Marian Anderson readers will enjoy this  extended biography built around an interview of the artist. It was produced by the Greater Washington Telecommunications Association and first aired on public television on May 8, 1991.  

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:

1939 concert, public domain photo by U.S. Information Agency, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Anderson portrait, Carl Van Vechten Collection, Library of Congress

Text:
Anderson quote, brainyquotes.com