Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was on of the most popular singers of her time. Born in 1897 in Philadelphia Anderson started her music career of early. She was a apart of the junior choir at the age of six. Anderson also taught herself how to play the piano when she was only eight.

Anderson kept her passion for music throughout her life. After Anderson graduated high school she applied to a local music school, but was rejected because of her race. During her career however, Anderson obtained scholarships to study in Europe. 

Anderson would face more racism in her life, most notably the incident surrounding the Constitutional Hall concert. Anderson was not allowed to perform at the Constitutional Hall in Washington D.C.  The NAACP arranged for Anderson to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial instead.  Later in her career Anderson was allowed to perform at the Constitutional Hall.

Anderson gained many accolades during her life. She received the Springarn Medal and the Bok award. The money earned from the Bok award was used by Anderson to create the Marian Anderson Scholarship. She was also honored with a Medal of Arts.

Anderson did what she could to fight segregation. She didn’t allow segregated seating at her concerts. Anderson also refused to sing in places where the audience was segregated.

Photo from www.kennedy-center.org