James Maloney: “This year's theme for Black History Month is ``African-Americans and Civil Rights: A Reappraisal.'' It is most fitting…”

“This year's theme for Black History Month is ``African-Americans and Civil Rights: A Reappraisal.'' It is most fitting, therefore, to take a moment to honor a very special woman, a longtime resident of my hometown, who is not only acclaimed for her glorious God-given voice, but for the historic contributions she made on behalf of all African-Americans. Marian Anderson, of Danbury, CT, who was the first African-American singer to perform with the Metropolitan Opera, stands out as a leading example of African-American pride and achievement. This month would have marked, or does mark, the 100th anniversary of her birth. As a young woman developing her singing career, Ms. Anderson faced many obstacles and was often the victim of racism. Probably the most widely known incident occurred in 1939, when, after a triumphant appearance through Europe and the Soviet Union, she was prevented from performing in Washington's Constitutional Hall by its owners. To apologize for that mistreatment, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt invited Ms. Anderson to perform at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, 1939.”