Marian Anderson was an African American contralto singer who was born in Philadelphia in 1897.
She was a Girl Scout in her youth, joining troop 24 in South Philadelphia at 10 years old, before moving to Connecticut with her family. Anderson continued her involvement with Girl Scouts by joining Troop 15 in Danbury.
Anderson was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for breaking down racial barriers in the arts. In 1939, Anderson was denied the opportunity to perform at a segregated venue in Washington, D.C. On April 9, 1939 Anderson sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of over 75,000 people in what became a landmark performance.
Anderson credited her time in Girl Scouts with helping build her confidence and leadership skills. Anderson’s legacy as a trailblazing musician and advocate for social justice remains an inspiration to many today.
