One man’s love for Marian Anderson became a movement crossing racial, cultural, and generational barriers.
What will your love for Marian reveal? Read on to find out!
Why Emile “Joe” Henwood Loves Marian
In 2019, I stumbled upon Marian Anderson’s childhood home in Philadelphia and was embarrassed as I learned about her greatness. My grandmother lived in the same neighborhood, and I spent a lot of time there, but I never knew about this generational woman called “a voice of a hundred years.” As I began to research her life and visit her home (now the National Marian Anderson Historic Society), I saw that most of what has been written about her focuses on her talent as a singer. I saw her trailblazing humanitarian contribution and saw timely and valuable lessons from her life well-lived. I researched and wrote a condensed chronological compilation of her life with teachable lessons and have devoted myself to sharing them wherever I go.
Some of Marian’s Achievements
First African American singer to perform as a member of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City
She performed at Carnegie Hall in 1928
Invited by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to perform at the White House, the first African American to ever receive this honor
Marian’s Nicknames
The Baby Contralto
The Voice of a Generation
In 1961, she performed the national anthem at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration.
In 1963, Kennedy honored the singer with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 1991, she received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement
She started the modern civil rights movement…and so much more!
The Lady from Philadelphia
The Voice Heard Only Once In A Hundred Years
“As a teacher myself, I am very impressed with Marian Anderson's talent, how soft her tone is with students, and what a smiling face she has when she teaches the children. Of course, by raising them like this, the children happily learn and with great interest. May God bless everyone with such a face, message, and style, like our beloved Marian Anderson. Amen.”
-Iffat Babar, Faisalabad, Pakistan
“Marian gave us the formula for handling divisive issues with style and grace. She faced obstacles everywhere she went, but never waivered. I love Marian for her example of how to handle difficulty.”
-Rhonda Miller, Philadelphia, PA
“As a musician, I was blown away at Marian’s immense talent. I wish there were more videos of her performing that I could study. I love Marian for her sheer vocal brilliance!”
-Pedro Martinez, Trenton, NJ
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