Singer Marian Anderson signs a contract

American Experience “Voice of Freedom”


Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, 1939, contralto Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed on the walls of the monument behind her were the words “all men are created equal.”

Barred from performing in Constitution Hall because of her race, Anderson would sing for the American people in the open air.

Hailed as a voice that “comes around once in a hundred years” by maestros in Europe and widely celebrated by both white and Black audiences at home, her fame hadn’t been enough to spare her from the indignities and outright violence of racism and segregation.

“Voice of Freedom” interweaves Anderson’s rich life story with this landmark moment in history, exploring fundamental questions about talent, race, fame, democracy, and the American soul.

Mark Tarbell and Kristen Keogh with text reading: Go See AZ
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The Gila River
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Graphic for PBS Books Readers Club - January

Join us for PBS Books Readers Club!

Fountain Hills with text reading: Food Festival Saturday, April 11, 2026, Fountain Hills, Arizona
April 11

Join us for the We-Ko-Pa ‘Check, Please! Arizona’ Food Festival

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