Marian Anderson Mural Unveiled in Danbury's Kennedy Park!

The Savings Bank of Danbury recently sponsored the City of Danbury’s mural downtown to honor the legacy of Marian Anderson, considered one of the greatest classical singers, a Civil Rights pioneer and a Danbury resident.

The 45-foot mural celebrating the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer Marian Anderson was painted by Danbury’s Luana Barcelos. A ribbon cutting was recently held to unveil the mural on the wall behind the Kennedy Park fountain at 300 Main Street. Danbury Mayor Dean Esposito welcomed members of Marian Anderson’s family to the event.

One of Marian Anderson’s most famous performances was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939 to 75,000 people and millions more via radio. This performance was arranged by Eleanor Roosevelt after the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Ms. Anderson to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall because of her race.

Marian Anderson and her husband Orpheus H. Fisher owned a 100-acre farm in Danbury. Marian Anderson served on the board of the Danbury Music Centre and the DMC’s recital hall is named after her. Marian Anderson was a large supporter of the arts in our community, as well as a supporter of the Danbury Chapter of the NAACP.

“As the oldest continuously operating business within the city of Danbury, CT, the Bank feels a special sense of connection to community, said Martin G. Morgado, President and CEO of Savings Bank of Danbury. Our work with the mayor’s office on this project to honor Marian Anderson’s legacy and contributions to our community is another example of our enduring commitment to the city of Danbury.”

PHOTO CAPTION: (left to right: Brigid Guertin, Executive Director of Danbury Museum; Lisa Scails, Executive Director of Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut; Senator Julie Kushner; artist Luana Barcelonas; Marian Anderson’s great niece; Martin G. Morgado and Danbury Mayor Esposito.

 

 

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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