Marian Anderson performs "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., 1939


This file appears in: Civil Rights Activist
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On April 9, 1939, Marian Anderson performed "My Country 'Tis of Thee" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. During the performance, Anderson changed the lyrics of this popular patriotic song. Instead of "of thee I sing," she sang "of thee we sing." It is possible that her lyric change implied a sense of community among the integrated audience.


This file appears in: Civil Rights Activist