Marian Anderson was well received in Europe, but here in the United States she was a lifelong victim of racism. Yet, her God-given voice brought her much acclaim. Anderson is one of the most celebrated contraltos of our time.

She was raised in church and sang in the Union Baptist Church choir. Her talent did not go unnoticed, money was raised for her to take lessons with Giuseppe Boghetti.

As a singer her outstanding characteristics were her wide range, purity in tone and a mastery of various styles. In the 1930's she was denied access to Washington's Constitutional Hall by the owners, the Daughters of the Revolution. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt heard about this and invited her to sing at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in 1939.

Mrs. Roosevelt also resigned her membership from the Daughters of the Revolution. This was the first strategic victory of the modern civil rights movement. Seventy-five thousand people turned out to hear Marian Anderson sing, and it was nationally broadcast.