Question

Which excerpt from "Marion Anderson Sings" best supports the idea that Anderson helped ease discrimination for African American performers?
"I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear."


"When her tour schedule brought her to Washington, D.C., in 1939, the choice was obvious: the city’s largest and grandest concert venue, Constitution Hall.Anderson’s manager wrote to make arrangements"


"How would Anderson like to sing on Easter Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial? It would be an outdoor concert, free, open to all—and with no segregation."


"But across the footlights Anderson often saw only white faces. In many cities, in the South especially, people of her own race had to sit up in the balcony."

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is: "I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear."

Explanation:

Marian Anderson was an American classical singer who became popular for her open concert at the Lincoln Memorial. This event broke the barrier between the white people and the black people.

Since she hasn't really faced such a huge crowd in her entire life, she stated, "I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear." By saying this, as a black woman herself, she was able to bring dignity to people of her kind. She proudly sang, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," a patriotic song which attracted around 75,000 people (both whites and blacks).

Thus, her action eased discrimination for African American performers. It gave these performers a chance to achieve their dreams.