Marian Anderson Essay

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“When I sing, I don't want them to see that my face is black. I don't want them to see that my face is white. I want them to see my soul. And that is colorless.” Marian Anderson, an African American opera singer, was not only known for her soprano to bass voice range, but also for her positive attitude on being a black singer during the Civil Rights Movement (Bio). Although Marian is not widely known today, her success at such a young age, numerous famous performances, perseverance during the Constitution Hall incident, and her attitude after the incident caused not only Americans, but presidents to look at civil rights differently. Marian Anderson was born on February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With Marian’s mother being a former …show more content…

At fourteen years old, Marian’s choir director, Alexander Robinson, moved her from the youth choir to the adult choir. Robinson was in shock of the young girl’s ability to sing any part of any hymn whenever she was requested to do so. Marian showed so much potential to the congregation of her church that they started a “Marian Anderson’s Future Fund” to help finance lessons for Marian with famous vocal instructors and deliver the care and assistance she needed after her father’s death. With the support of her friends, family, and church congregation, Marian became overwhelmed with the abundance of singing opportunities open for …show more content…

Not only did she inspire her peers with her exquisite singing voice, but also with her brave personality as a young girl, determination through the plethora of racial discrimination, and her optimistic attitude during the aftermath of her refusal by the D.A.R. to sing at Constitution Hall. Marian’s legacy influenced blacks as well as whites to look at the Civil Rights Movement contrarily. Many presidents looked at her contribution to civil rights as a step forward through the chaos of the Civil Rights Movement. To Marian, the color of her skin may have caused hardships in her life, but it did not stop her from achieving success. Her “colorless” spirit and beautiful voice inspired Americans to progress in the fight for equality for

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