Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
Division of Public Programs
Marian Anderson Singing at the Lincoln Memorial
Washington
Easter Sunday 1939
National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
Marian Anderson Singing at the Lincoln Memorial
Washington
Easter Sunday 1939
National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the life, career, art, and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer, Marian Anderson, using archival interview recordings. The documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s, as well as other interview material. Director Rita Coburn prioritizes Marian Anderson’s own voice throughout the film, setting Marian Anderson apart from other films about her life.
Anderson is best known for her concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 when she was discriminated against on the basis of a “whites only” concert policy at the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitution Hall. The concert garnered interracial support and reached millions of radio listeners around the world and became an inspiration to the growing civil rights movement. Learn about how Anderon’s career was propelled by her talent but also steered by limits imposed by racism and segregation.
This film is part of PBS' American Masters series, available for streaming at PBS.