American Experience

Voice of Freedom

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.”

Extended Trailer | Voice of Freedom | American Experience

1m 40s

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, Marian Anderson's fame hadn’t been enough to spare her from the indignities and outright violence of racism and segregation.

Previews + Extras

  • The Voice of Marian Anderson: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Voice of Marian Anderson

    S33 E2 - 1m 9s

    In 1925, 28-year-old Marian Anderson won a New York Philharmonic competition that drew national
    attention. But most signing opportunities in the U.S. remained closed to Anderson because she was Black.

  • Walter F. White: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Walter F. White

    S33 E2 - 1m 18s

    In 1930, Walter White took over as executive secretary of the NAACP. When the Daughters of the American Revolution barred Marian Anderson from singing at Constitution Hall. White had an inspiration that transcended the whole debate: a free, outdoor concert on the Lincoln Memorial steps.

  • Chapter 1 | Voice of Freedom: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chapter 1 | Voice of Freedom

    S33 E2 - 9m 18s

    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.”

Similar Shows

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.