B H This Day in Black History

February 27

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February 27, 1955

Elizabeth Taylor Challenges AIDS Stigma

On January 7, 1955, Marian Anderson debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in "Un Ballo in Maschera," becoming the first African American to perform a leading role at the Met. Her performance was a milestone in breaking racial barriers in classical music.

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People: Marian Anderson
Sources
1. Marian Anderson: A Voice for Freedom — National Park Service2. Marian Anderson's Historic Performance — PBS3. Marian Anderson: The First African American to Sing at the Metropolitan Opera — The Metropolitan Opera

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November 27, 1897
Marian Anderson Born
Marian Anderson, the groundbreaking contralto who broke racial barriers in classical music, was born in Philadelphia.
artsmusic
April 9, 1939
Marian Anderson Sings at Lincoln Memorial
Marian Anderson performed a legendary concert at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied permission to sing at Constitution Hall.
artscivil-rightsmusic
October 11, 1939
Eleanor Roosevelt Resigns from DAR
Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution after they refused to allow Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall.
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March 6, 1857
Dred Scott v. Sandford Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not citizens and had no standing to sue in federal court.
civil-rightspoliticslegal
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