Marion Anderson Quotes


Marian Anderson, the most celebrated
contralto of the twentieth century, was
born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1897
to an African-American family of modest
means. Recognized for her virtuoso
musical talent, as well as her generosity
and commitment to others, Ms. Anderson
was a master of repertoire across operatic,
recital, and American traditional genres.
Throughout her musical career, she played
an incalculably vital role in the acceptance
of African-American musicians in the
classical musical world.  


In 1957, Ms. Anderson was appointed by the
U.S. Department of State to serve as a
Special Envoy to the Far East, and the
following year, President Dwight D.
Eisenhower named her to the post of
delegate to the General Assembly of the
United Nations.  She sang at President
John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961; in
1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson
bestowed the Presidential Medal of
Freedom upon her.

On her 75th birthday in 1974, the U.S.
Congress passed a resolution ordering a
special gold medal minted in her honor.  On
April 8, 1993, Marian Anderson died at the
age of 96 in Portland, Oregon.

*
In January 2005 Marion Anderson became
the 28th African American to be given the
honor of the distinguished grouping on the
Postal Stamp.

*
The Marion Anderson Awards are held in
Ms. Anderson's hometown of Philadelphia.  
The recipients of this prestigious award
consist of a who's who in the arts world.   
Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey and
Quincy Jones.

*
In the mid 1980's I had the pleasure of
hearing Ms. Anderson narrate the
inaugural performance of Arthur Mitchell's
Dance Theater of Harlem's Manifestation
during the opening performances at the
Mann Music Center in Philadelphia.   Her
beauty and elegance captivated the
audience.  To see this legend in living color
was an incredible experience.  This lovely
lady has placed an indelible mark on
women of various ages
and backgrounds.  We have been blessed
with her voice, determination and her
profound qualities.

- Karen Taylor-Young

*
As long as you keep a person down, some
part of you has to be down there to hold
him down, so it means you cannot soar as
you otherwise might.

~ Marian Anderson ~
First a song has to be beautiful: 'First a song
has to be beautiful,
Leadership should be born out of the
understanding of the needs of those who would
be affected by it.
Every one has a gift for something, even if it is
the gift of being a good friend.
Prejudice is like a hair across your cheek. You
can't see it, you can't find it with your fingers,
but you keep brushing at it because the feel of
it is irritating.
I have a great belief in the future of my people
and my country.
I forgave the DAR many years ago. You lose a
lot of time hating people.
Prayer begins where human capacity ends.
None of us is responsible for the complexion of
his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to
the character or quality of the person
underneath.
It is easy to look back, self-indulgently, feeling
pleasantly sorry for oneself and saying I didn't
have this and I didn't have that. But it is only
the grown woman regretting the hardships of a
little girl who never thought they were
hardships at all. She had the things that really
mattered.
I suppose I might insist on making issues of
things. But that is not my nature, and I always
bear in ming that my mission is to leave behind
me the kind of impression that will make it
easier for those who follow.
You lose a lot of time, hating people.
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 make the first move - and
he, in turn, waits for you.
U of Penn Library
Oil Painting by
Laura Wheller
U of Penn Library
Annenberg/
University of Pennsylvania
I have never been able to analyse the
qualities that the audience contributes
to a performance. The most important,
I think, are sympathy,
open-mindedness, expectancy, faith,
and a certain support to your effort. I
know that my career could not have
been what it is without all these things,
which have come from many people.
The knowledge of the feelings other
people have expended on me has kept
me going when times were hard. That
knowledge has been a responsibility, a
challenge, and an inspiration. It has
been the path to development and
growth. The faith and confidence of
others in me have been like shining,
guiding stars.

--Marian Anderson
U of Penn Library
Stamp Issued 2005
U of Penn Library
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Marion Anderson
Photographed by Richard Aveda
Portrait by Carl Van Vechten