On April 9th, 1939, Marian Anderson mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to perform an Easter concert for a crowd of 75,000 people.
The interesting part? She wasn’t originally going to perform there.
Marian Anderson was a world-renowned opera singer known for her beautiful contralto voice. Howard University invited her to sing in Washington, DC as part of an ongoing concert series. Due to her popularity, they needed a large space to host her.
Their first choice was the Daughters of the Revolution’s Constitution Hall. But they refused to let Marian perform there for a simple reason- she was black.
After talking with several DC officials, including Eleanor Roosevelt, an idea formed. A free, full-integrated concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Marian started the concert with a powerful rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”- a fitting choice for the occasion. She then went on to sing a mix of classical music and spirituals:
- “O mio Fernando” from the opera La favorite
- “Ave Maria” by Schubert
- “Gospel Train”
- “My Soul is Anchored in the Lord”
- “Trampin”
- “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”
The concert was a smashing success, touching all who attended it. In later years, Marian even went back to perform at Constitution Hall (with heartfelt apologies from the DAR).
Marian never considered herself a civil rights activist. Instead, her goal was to share her gift of singing with those around her.
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