2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was a groundbreaking African American opera singer and civil rights activist. Born in 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anderson faced racial discrimination throughout her career, as she was often denied performance opportunities because of her race.

One of Anderson's most significant moments came in 1939 when she was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. due to her race. In response, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for Anderson to perform at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, where she sang to a crowd of over 75,000 people and a nationwide radio audience.

Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting the struggle for racial equality and the power of music to bring people together.

In 1955, Marian Anderson made history as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music and civil rights.

Marian Anderson's courage and talent paved the way for future generations of African American artists and activists, and she remains a beloved figure in Black history for her trailblazing achievements.