2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Constitution Hall

Constitution Hall, located in Washington, D.C., is a historic venue that played a significant role in Black history. The venue was operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a predominantly white organization that restricted performances by African American artists. This policy led to the exclusion of notable Black musicians, such as Marian Anderson, from performing at Constitution Hall.

In 1939, Marian Anderson, a renowned African American opera singer, was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall by the DAR due to her race. The incident sparked national outrage and led to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigning from the DAR in protest. In response, Anderson's supporters, including Roosevelt and the NAACP, organized a historic concert for her at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in 1939. The event drew a crowd of over 75,000 people and was a powerful display of resistance against racial discrimination.

The incident involving Marian Anderson and Constitution Hall highlighted the racial segregation and discrimination that existed in many institutions during that time. It also paved the way for greater awareness and activism in the fight for civil rights and equality for Black Americans. Today, Constitution Hall stands as a reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans in their pursuit of justice and equality.