Lincoln Memorial Concert

Marian Anderson, born February 27, 1897, was an African American opera singer who faced racial discrimination throughout her career, yet achieved much recognition. She has been called the world's greatest contralto. In 1939, a refusal by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to rent their concert hall to Anderson led to one of the best-attended concerts on the Washington Mall, and led to a public resignation from the DAR by the First Lady. Here Marian Anderson is shown singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at that concert.

Learn more:

• About This Picture
• Marian Anderson Quotes

_{Image: Getty Images / Pictorial Parade}