Resiliency

Throughout history, music has been a key aspect in America. Music was used as a source of escape and communication. A musical icon was born on February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her name was Marian Anderson. Marian Anderson was an African American woman that used her vocal talents to fight for social and civil justice towards the Black community. There is no question that Marian Anderson had a charming and alluring singing voice; however, her major success became an issue for some individuals. The American Dream for Marian Anderson was to be a singer that was appreciated and accepted by all, without the barriers and obstacles of racial discrimination.

Marian was born into a musically gifted family with her siblings also being singers. She grew up with her parents John and Annie Anderson. Marian was not able to attend high school because her family did not have enough income to pay for her. Instead, she spent time in her church. Little did she know that she was actually starting her career when she joined the choir at her church in Union Baptist Church. Marian heavily depended on the support from her family, church, and community throughout her childhood and the early stages of her singing career.

Within this time period, racial discrimination towards the African American community was prominent. When Marian was out of high school, she applied to the Philadelphia Music Academy. However, she was not accepted due to the fact that she was a black woman. She continued to strive for her American Dream by seeking musical education elsewhere. Marian was vocally trained by a man named Guiseppe Boghetti who helped pave the way for her success. Anderson was a woman of resilience and she used every obstacle as a way to open up new opportunities. Her talent and perseverance brought her to places such as singing in the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Memorial, and The Metropolitan Opera, and for various presidential inaugurations. The fact that a black woman was performing in these spaces was groundbreaking for the white and black community. During this time, African Americans did not have the same rights and respect that a white individual had. The American Dream was in effect because finally there was a black woman who could use her voice in order to communicate through her songs. As mentioned earlier, music is a form of communication, thus giving a black woman a voice in this time period was not only outstanding, but revolutionary. These achievements allowed her to be an inspiration and platform for other black people who were often silenced in this time period.

Although Marian was highly recognized for her singing career, there were still people who did not want to have a black woman as the face of fame and talent. The Daughters of the Revolution denied Anderson of performing at the Constitutional Hall. Marian Anderson once stated, “America was not ready for a black opera singer. I could not obtain accommodations in the hotels or eat in some restaurants.” Instead of letting those experiences fear or belittle her, she used her abilities to become an activist for equality. Marian Anderson said, “The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to that the open-hearted and courageous way, many others follow.”

Isn’t that the American Dream…Courage? Open-Heartedness? Equality? Marian Anderson had an attitude that was loving and patient for all. Although she did not receive the same reciprocated feelings by many she still stated, “There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move- and he, in turn, waits for you.” Through her American Dream she uses a form of hope in humanity to help with the racial divide and discrimination.

Hope comes in many forms and shapes. Often times hope can be similar to a dream. Marian Anderson never let go of her hope and she continued to keep that hope throughout her life even though she was treated as “less than.” Her hope for America was to have a space where people can showcase their talents without discrimination, have a voice regardless of race, and to gain equality and justice. This was her American Dream and she used resiliency to achieve her goals. Marian Anderson said herself, “When you stop having dreams and ideals-well you might as well stop altogether.” Marian never stopped and her revolutionary voice made a difference in this world.