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 |
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Marian Anderson Concert at Lincoln Memorial 1939
In 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 » Credit, above right: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection |
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