Walter White, the NAACP and the Marian Anderson Concert at the Lincoln Memorial 1939
In 1939 classical singer Marian Anderson was on a national tour. She was scheduled to give a concert for Howard University in Washington DC. When the university tried to book a venue at Constitution Hall controlled by the Daughters of the American Revolution organization they were told that the hall was for white performers only. When word of this reached Walter White he saw an opportunity to publicize this injustice. He sought help from his friend and DAR member Eleanor Roosevelt. The DAR refused to budge so Mrs. Roosevelt then asked Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes, a former member of the the NAACP, if they could hold an outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial instead. Ickes agreed and even introduced Ms. Anderson.
This was Walter White at his best. He used his network of influential contacts to gain a public relations triumph for his cause and to gain recognition for the NAACP in the nation's capital.
This was Walter White at his best. He used his network of influential contacts to gain a public relations triumph for his cause and to gain recognition for the NAACP in the nation's capital.
| Previous page on path | The NAACP in the 1930's, page 9 of 9 | Path end, return home |
Discussion of "Walter White, the NAACP and the Marian Anderson Concert at the Lincoln Memorial 1939"
Add your voice to this discussion.
Checking your signed in status ...