About This Lesson
This lesson introduces students to Marian Anderson, the renowned singer whose voice became a symbol of courage and resistance. After being denied the chance to perform at Constitution Hall because of her race, Anderson—supported by Eleanor Roosevelt—gave a historic open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, singing “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” before a crowd of 75,000 and nationwide via NBC radio. Students will learn how Anderson used her music to challenge racism, later becoming the first Black woman to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House. Through primary sources, discussion and reflection, students will explore how one performance became a turning point in the civil rights movement—and how music can be a force for justice.
Students in grades 4–6 will learn about her courage and accomplishments, while those in grades 7–12 will analyze her role in the broader fight for civil rights, including her barrier-breaking appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House. This lesson highlights how culture can challenge injustice, and how Anderson’s peaceful strength shaped a louder movement.
