Marian Anderson
Marian is known for her beautiful opera voice. When she was small she was in her church choir. Marian was popular and toured a lot in Europe. She was the first African American invited to perform at the White House. Also she was the first African American to perform with New York Metropolitan Opera and she won many awards.
Marian Anderson was born on February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She lived with her mother Anna Anderson, dad John Berkley and her sister’s Alyse and Ethel. She was the oldest out of the three girls. Marian always loved to sing, so when she was 6 years old she joined her church choir. When she was just 10 years old her father died, leaving her mother to raise them alone. But that didn’t stop
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She learned to sing songs in many languages. The hardest language to her was German. She gained a lot of money on her tours. She was very happy when she called her mother and told her she could quit her job. Later on she sailed to England to meet other African Americans who escaped from racism and were well known singer’s. While she was there she took German and French. Before she decided to go home she wanted to go to Germany were she could sing and study German lieder. Later she settled in Berlin, she also was nervous about performing at John Sebastian Bash. Many Germans were surprised to have a black women singing but when she got there she sang songs in German, Italian and spirituals in English. She was impressed Vehanen invited Marian to give a series concerts in the Scandinavian countries. No black person had ever appeared in Scandinavia before in Sweden. Anderson is a common name so she might attract attention. People accepted her as an individual. After her three week tour she headed back home to America. When she came back to the United States, they wouldn’t accept a white man Kosti Vehanen playing piano for a black …show more content…
Constitution Hall was the largest and finest auditorium in Washington, also an historical site. But the DAR had decreed that only white artist could sing there. The Constitution Hall opened in 1929 DAR had set aside a small section of seats in the balcony for blacks. Marian received an honorary doctorate of music from Howard University. In 1936 Marian did a concert at a High school called Armstrong High school a black school with a large auditorium. After she preformed, the first lady invited her to sing at the white house again. Even though the DAR said it couldn’t be any black artist singing there. Howard University Treasurer V.D.Johnston published a letter in the Washington Times-Herald telling the DAR that they wanted Marian to sing. Ickes the man who helped the first lady protest the DAR band to let Marion sing at the Constitution Hall. After all that drama the first lady just quitted DAR and decided to have a free concert at the Lincoln Memorial because it would attract thousands of
When asked to write about an important activist who has demonstrated protest, I immediately drifted towards a Hispanic and/or feminist activist. Various names came across my mind initially such as Cesar Chavez and Joan Baez but as a later discussion in class concluded, there are numerous others who are rarely highlighted for their activism and struggles, which lead to me researching more. In my research I came across Dolores Huerta, an American labor leader and civil rights activist, who I felt was an underdog and brushed over activist in the Hispanic community.
When Ethel was asked to play there, she was excited until she got there. Charles was a rude white man who did not care or want to help colored people. Ethel requested to have her piano tuned, but Charles would refuse to fix it because she was not white. Ethel responded by telling Mr. Bailey, “And no Georgia cracker is telling me how to run my act… and I’m standing on my grounds. And you or no other cracker sonofabitch can tell me what to do” (166). This phrase is monumental. Not only because Ethel is such a young brave girl, but also because she knows she is not supposed to talk back to white folks but she does it anyway. Ethel believes in sticking up for herself and she thinks she deserves just as good treatment as a white performer would. This shows the business side of the entertainment world and how it is not always pretty. Many people claim that entertainers live in a lavish world like ”Hollywood people” do, but in Ethel’s case it’s the farthest thing from quality treatment. Ethel has a lot of courage to stick up for herself to Bailey. She doesn’t want Africans Americans to accept their placement in their world; she wants people to treat her how whites are treated. Ethel demands respect by Charles because she does not want to rip her audience off. An untuned piano could throw off the entire show and she wants the audience to like her, and she wants to perform as best as she can. Even though Charles
A dancer, singer, activist and spy, Josephine Baker was a star and a hero. Baker grew up poor, but her rocky start did not hold her back from success. Baker had major achievements for a black woman in her time; she was the first African-American to star in a major film. Baker was first to integrate a concert in Las Vegas. Even though Baker got her start during the Harlem Renaissance, her true claim to fame was her success in France. She was the first black woman to receive military honor in France. Since Baker was so successful in Europe, she was able to spy for the French resistance during World War II. Although Baker was very successful in France and had found success during the Harlem Renaissance, she was not welcomed in the United States due to segregation and racism. Racism did not stop Baker from being a part of the Harlem Renaissance.
Susan B. Anthony was born on a farm in Adams, Massachusetts, on February 15, 1820 (Sochen). Daniel Anthony was her dad. He was a cotton-mill owner. When Susan was old enough she would go work for him after school. Lucy Anthony was her mom (American Eras). The Anthony family were Quakers. Quakers are people that believe
The Learning Center. Black Women, World War I, and Washington, D.C. Internet: http://www.erols.com/tdpedu/lectures/bkwomww1.htm. Acce ssed 11/22/98.
According to Ruth Feldstein “Nina Simone recast black activism in the 1960’s.” Feldstein goes on to say that “Simone was known to have supported the struggle for black freedom in the United States much earlier, and in a more outspoken manner around the world than many other African American entertainers.” Her family ties to the south, her unique talent, her ability to travel and make money are similar to the Blues women movement that preceded her. It can be said that Nina Simone goes a step further the by directly attacking inequities pertaining to race and gender in her music. However, what distinguishes her is her unique musicianship and that is what ultimately garners her massive exposure and experiences over those of her past contemporaries.
Angelou faced many obstacles but still was able to accomplish many things. Did she ever think she was going to get this far, leaving an impact on many people lives, such as Oprah Winfrey, President Obama, former president Bill Clinton and overall the general public? Perhaps, she did know. In her 20’s the public icon, met Billie Holiday, who told her, “You’re going to be famous. But it won’t be for singing.” Angelou is a three time Grammy winner who was also nominated for a Tony, a Pulitzer, and an Emmy for her role in the 1977 miniseries “roots.”
She performed at top places all over the world. Her audiences were as diverse as her vocal range and they all loved her. To commemorate Black History Month, I have decided to do research on an exceptionally talented musician, Ella Fitzgerald. She was essentially the Aretha Franklin of the Jazz Age. She was an incredibly talented jazz singer who was considered the best by almost everyone.
Since 1914, Canadian Human Rights laws have had a positive impact on helping to shape Canadian identity as one that is welcoming to various minority groups. Being a Canadian citizen provides you with the freedoms to travel, and settle in Canada at your own will and desire. Also, the freedom to express your sexual orientation is welcomed and well supported in many communities. Modern discrimination against categorizing human beings is very slim and everyone of all ethnic or cultural backgrounds are welcome with respect and good intentions. Canada is an extremely welcoming and protective place, in which nearly everything is done to promote equality, and a safe country.
Music icons that speak to my soul and still continuing to inspire me; are Jenni Rivera Mexican-American singer, American singer-songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson. The qualities of these singers which make them appealing to me include; their unique voices, powerful lyrics, and music. These are artist to me are consider legendary for their hard ethic music work.
Josephine Baker Josephine Baker was an African American woman who had to overcome discrimination and abuse in achieving her dream of becoming a singer and dancer. She did this during the 1920s, when African Americans faced great discrimination. She had a hard childhood. Her personal life was not easy to handle. Furthermore, she overcame poverty and racism to achieve her career dream.
Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen had a problem. Often times amazing things can happen when people can find a solution to a problem. These homemakers were leaders of a Campfire Girls group. They needed the girls to make something that they could sell to raise funds for activities. The year was 1939 and these two busy ladies came up with Rice Krispie treats. They have truly become a world wide treat.
Coretta Scott King was one of the most important women leaders in the world. Working side-by-side with her husband, she took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and worked to pass the Civil Rights Act. After King's death, she founded The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. Mrs. King traveled around the world speaking out on behalf of racial and economic justice, women’s and children’s rights, religious freedom, the needs of the poor and homeless, full-employment, health care, educational opportunities, and environmental justice.
Known as the “Empress Of Blues”, Bessie Smith was said to have revolutionized the vocal end of Blues Music. She showed a lot of pride as an independent African-American woman. Her style in performance and lyrics often reflected her lifestyle. Bessie Smith was one of the first female jazz artists, and she paved the way for many musicians who followed.
Shirley Chisholm was a crucial figure in Black politics, and the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She defeated civil rights leader James Farmer on November 5, 1968, and served 7 terms in the House of Representatives till 1982. Also, she was the first woman and person of color to run for President. Chisholm is a model of independence and honesty and has championed several issues including civil rights, aid for the poor, and women 's rights.