To Commemorate the Issuance of the Marian Anderson Stamp
TO COMMEMORATE THE ISSUANCE OF THE MARIAN ANDERSON STAMP -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 15, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. DANNY K. DAVIS
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005
· Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's most shining and influential artists, Ms. Marian Anderson. The recent issuance of a commemorative stamp in her honor provides an opportunity to recognize her impressive achievements.
· Few musicians in history can claim the number of achievements Ms. Anderson can. As an opera singer, she proved to be among the world's best. Her range and ability to communicate a song's emotion were envied. Ms. Anderson often sang in the original language of the songs she performed, feeling that she would better connect with the native audience. By the end of her career she had performed in eight languages and traveled all over the world--living and studying for extended periods of time in Europe. Her voice graced President and Mrs. Roosevelt at the White House and the Inaugural ceremonies for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. After hearing her, the world renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini commented that hers ``..... is a voice one hears once in a hundred years.'' How true.
· During her life, Ms. Anderson witnessed and contributed to some of the greatest changes in history. She lived through two world wars, a depression, and the civil rights movement. As an African-American, female performer during a period of history in which that combination provided particular challenges, she overcame prejudice and social limitations. For example, she was the first black singer to perform on stage at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. One of her most notable concerts was on Easter morning on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Broadcast nationwide via radio, Ms. Anderson sang before a crowd of over 75,000 and millions of listeners after she was prohibited from performing at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the Revolution.
· In addition to receiving awards for her musical talent, like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement, she received numerous other honors for her commitment to peace and equality. She was appointed goodwill ambassador to Asia and a delegate to the United Nations. She received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the United Nations Peace Prize, the NAACP's Sprigarn Medal for outstanding achievement by a black American, and the President's Medal of Freedom.
· Clearly, Marian Anderson had a resonating and inspiring voice with the heart and conviction to match. Ms. Anderson's voice was a vehicle of communication, and music her universal language. Hers' represented the voice of so many others who were unable to speak out against the injustices they faced.
· I am honored to celebrate the issuance of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp today. Ms. Anderson is quite deserving of this recognition. In doing this we eternalize the courage, conviction, and talent of this remarkable woman.
http://thomas.loc.gov