Marian Anderson was a pioneering African American contralto singer who overcame racial discrimination to become one of the most celebrated classical vocalists of the 20th century. Born in 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anderson began singing in church choirs at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent.

In 1939, Anderson made headlines when she was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. due to her race. In response, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and others arranged for Anderson to give a historic open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. The event, which attracted a crowd of over 75,000 people, was a powerful symbol of the fight for civil rights and brought Anderson national and international acclaim.

Throughout her career, Anderson performed at top concert venues around the world, breaking down racial barriers in the classical music industry. In 1955, she became the first African American to sing a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, further solidifying her place in history as a trailblazing artist.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Marian Anderson was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, using her platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice. In 1963, she performed at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

Marian Anderson's legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists, and her contributions to Black history and American culture are widely celebrated and recognized.