75 years ago today, Marian Anderson performed at the Lincoln Memorial after being banned by the Daughters of the American Revolution from use of its Constitution Hall. Here’s a speech by Interior Secretary Harold Ickes, who organized the event, followed by Anderson’s performance of “America.”

YouTube video

Our ideas can save democracy... But we need your help! Donate Now!

Ed Kilgore

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.