Marian Anderson was a prominent African American contralto singer who broke barriers and made significant contributions to the civil rights movement in the United States. Born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she faced racism and discrimination throughout her early career because of her race.

In 1939, Anderson became an international sensation when she was denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) due to their segregationist policies. This incident garnered national attention and led to an iconic moment when Anderson performed a historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday of that year. The concert was attended by an integrated crowd of more than 75,000 people and was broadcast over the radio, showcasing Anderson's incredible talent and amplifying her message of equality and justice.

Anderson went on to have a successful career as a classical singer, breaking racial barriers in the music world and inspiring generations of African American artists. In 1955, she became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of opera.

Marian Anderson continued to use her platform to advocate for civil rights and equality, performing at numerous benefit concerts and using her voice to raise awareness about racial injustice. In 1963, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, for her contributions to music and the advancement of civil rights.

Marian Anderson's impact on Black history and the fight for equality cannot be overstated, as she courageously challenged racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black artists to succeed in the world of classical music.