American soprano Melissa Givens is an Associate Professor at Pomona College, specializing in music of women and African Americans. She is a frequent recitalist and clinician and sings with Grammy© winning Conspirare: A Company of Voices. Givens tells the story of Marian Anderson’s historic performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939—one that she repeated at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
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Notes
Unless otherwise noted, all images used in this video are in the public domain.
Bless the Roosevelts, especially Eleanor! Why aren't our leaders, men and women, speaking out and acting on their beliefs more today? History will remember those who lift up others the way Eleanor Roosevelt (and Dolly Parton!) did and those who stand quietly by while untold cruelty happens all around us.
Thank you, Ms. Givens, for delivering this 250 to us, a story that needs telling as often as is necessary until it's not necessary to be told anymore.