POV Marching on WashingtonClick here to close this window
Button: Home Button: The Mall Button: Past Marches Button: The Future of Marching

   Past Marches: Coxey's Army | Bonus Army | Marian Anderson Concert | March on Washington
    Earth Day | May Day Anti-War | ERA | Lesbian, Gay & Bi Rights | Million Man March

Photo: Marian Anderson and Secretary of State Harold Ickes. Credit: Marian Anderson Collection of Photographs Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Pennsylvania Library
Marian Anderson and Secretary of State Harold Ickes
Credit: Marian Anderson Collection of Photographs Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Pennsylvania Library
Quote:I could see my significance as an individual was small in this affair. I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear.(Endquote)
— Marian Anderson reflecting on the event, 1956
Marian Anderson Concert at Lincoln Memorial — 1939

 

Photo: Marian Anderson at the Lincoln MemorialIn 1939, African American world famous opera singer, Marian Anderson, was refused the use of the Daughters of the American Revolution concert hall because she was black. Eleanor Roosevelt, African American leaders, and New Dealers helped to arrange for the concert to be given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. 75,000 people gathered around the Mall reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Anderson sang "America," Arias such as Ava Maria, and spirituals such as "Gospel Train."

Secretary of State Harold Ickes introduced Ms. Anderson by saying:

"It is appropriate that we stand reverently and humbly at the base of this memorial to the great emancipator while glorious tribute is rendered to his memory by a daughter of the race from which he struck the chains of liberty."

Next: March on Washington — August 28th, 1963 »
« Previous: Bonus Army — 1932

Credit, above right: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection

All text by Jeanne Houck | Design by James Johnson | Copyright © 1995-2003 American Documentary, Inc.