2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Constitution Hall

Constitution Hall, located in Washington, D.C., has a significant place in Black history due to its history of racial segregation during the early to mid-20th century. Constitution Hall was the largest concert hall in the city and operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), an organization composed primarily of white women.

One of the most notable incidents involving Constitution Hall and Black history occurred in 1939 when renowned singer Marian Anderson, an African American woman, was denied the opportunity to perform at the venue by the DAR due to her race. This discriminatory act sparked widespread outrage and led to a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

In response to the DAR's decision, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the organization in protest. With the support of NAACP and other civil rights organizations, Marian Anderson was able to perform a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial instead, on Easter Sunday in 1939. The concert drew a crowd of over 75,000 people and was a powerful demonstration against racial segregation and discrimination.

The incident involving Marian Anderson and Constitution Hall highlighted the racial injustices prevalent in society and further fueled the push for civil rights reforms. Ultimately, this event played a significant role in promoting racial equality and challenging segregation in public spaces.