Category Archives: Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson and Civil Rights

Marian Anderson in Washington D.C.

My research into the influence of black sacred music on the Civil Rights Movement continues. In addition to Paul Robeson and Jules Bledsoe, I’ve been reading about the brilliant African American opera singer Marian Anderson, who overcome racism and sexism by the sheer force of her talent and gentle spirit. She’s probably best known today when her manager’s attempt to have her sing in Washington D.C.’s Constitution Hall in 1939 was blocked by the folks who ran the Hall, the Daughters of the American Revolution (the DAR). Eleanor Roosevelt and others withdrew their membership and a fierce debate ensued… the DAR simply wouldn’t budge. They would not allow blacks to sing in the Hall, even though it belongs to all Americans.

However, while all of this is going on, Anderson is purposefully NOT being made aware of the brouhaha. She’s on a grueling concert tour, one that will take her, for the first time, into the Segregated South.

At last, with the help of the White House, a massive outdoor Easter concert is arranged at the Lincoln Memorial, one that 75,000 will hear in person and millions more on the radio.

Anderson’s manager wires her the good news. So, where IS Marian Anderson at that very moment? She is …

… wait for it …

… in a hotel in Waco, Texas, following at concert in the city.