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Marian Anderson and Secretary of State Harold Ickes
Credit: Marian Anderson Collection of Photographs
Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Pennsylvania Library
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 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.
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— Marian Anderson reflecting on the event, 1956
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Audio and Video Links:
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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 »
« Previous: Bonus Army — 1932
Credit, above right: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection
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