Marian Anderson walked towards the cluster of microphones. The Lincoln statue loomed behind her. She wore a glamorous fur coat that protected her from the biting April wind.
Before her was a crowd of 75,000 people, all eager to hear her voice.
Anderson had a long singing career, but it was one riddled by racist obstacles. When she toured in segregated America, she was forced to stay in only “colored” spaces.
Her performance at the Lincoln Memorial almost didn’t happen because of this!
Howard University had invited Anderson to Washington, DC for their concert series. They needed a space big enough to house the large crowd she would pull, and Howard’s first thought was the Constitution Hall.
Unfortunately, the Hall was owned by the Daughters of The American Revolution (DAR), who refused to let her perform there.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was so disgusted by DAR’s decision that she arranged for Anderson to perform at the Lincoln Memorial! A massive, integrated crowd greeted the singer.
Anderson sang “My Country, Tis Of Thee,” enchanting all – but this beautiful moment wouldn’t have happened if she didn’t show up every single time, regardless of the racism.
Anderson refused to let white supremacy dedicate the trajectory of her life and career. We must emulate her perseverance as we craft our own fulfilling Black lives.