Member-only story

She Persisted: The Resilience and Triumph of Marian Anderson and Katheryn Russell-Brown

Benjamin Stone

·11k Followers· Follow

Published in She Persisted: Marian Anderson Katheryn Russell Brown

4 min read

488 View Claps

74 Respond

Save

Listen

In the face of adversity, some individuals possess an unwavering determination that allows them to persevere and emerge triumphant. Marian Anderson and Katheryn Russell-Brown, two remarkable women separated by decades, embody the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced or marginalized.

Marian Anderson: Breaking Down Barriers with Her Voice

Marian Anderson, An African American Contralto, Singing At The Lincoln Memorial In 1939 She Persisted: Marian Anderson Katheryn Russell Brown

She Persisted: Marian Anderson Katheryn Russell Brown

Marian Anderson, born in Philadelphia in 1897, was a contralto with a voice that captivated audiences worldwide. Despite facing countless obstacles as an African American woman, she refused to let prejudice define her destiny.

In 1939, Anderson was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., due to her race. In response, Eleanor Roosevelt famously resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR),the organization that owned the venue. Anderson's subsequent performance at the Lincoln Memorial, attended by an integrated audience of 75,000 people, became a powerful symbol of the struggle for civil rights.

Anderson went on to perform in concert halls and opera houses around the world, becoming one of the most celebrated vocalists of her time. She was awarded numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978.

Katheryn Russell-Brown: A Trailblazing Scientist and Educator

Katheryn Russell Brown, An African American Woman In A Lab Coat, Conducting Scientific Research She Persisted: Marian Anderson Katheryn Russell Brown — Katheryn Russell-Brown, an African American woman, overcame discrimination to become a successful scientist and educator.

Katheryn Russell-Brown, born in 1932, is an American chemist, educator, and administrator who has made significant contributions to the field of science and education.

As an African American woman, Russell-Brown faced numerous barriers to pursuing her academic dreams. However, she persevered, earning her doctorate in chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1964. She went on to become a professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where she dedicated her career to mentoring and supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields.

Russell-Brown's research in polymer science has led to the development of new materials with applications in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Medal of Science in 2014, the nation's highest science honor.

The Legacy of Marian Anderson and Katheryn Russell-Brown

Marian Anderson and Katheryn Russell-Brown, though separated by time and profession, share a common legacy of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers.

Anderson's refusal to be silenced and her powerful voice became symbols of the fight against racial discrimination. Russell-Brown's unwavering pursuit of education and her commitment to mentoring future scientists and educators have helped to diversify the field of science and create a more inclusive future.

The stories of these remarkable women serve as an inspiration and reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we have the power to overcome adversity and make a lasting impact on the world.