Final answer:
Marian Anderson was a classical African American singer who faced racial discrimination, including being denied a performance at Constitution Hall by the DAR in 1939, which lead to a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial organized with Eleanor Roosevelt's support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marian Anderson's career was significantly affected by prejudice and racial discrimination in the United States. As an African American classical singer, she faced numerous barriers due to her race.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 1939 when the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let her perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. due to a policy that prohibited African American artists from performing there. This act of discrimination gained national attention and led to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigning from the DAR in protest.
As a result of the controversy, an alternate performance was arranged at the Lincoln Memorial, which became a pivotal moment in the struggle for racial equality and boosted Anderson's stature as a symbol of the civil rights movement. Despite the prejudice she faced, Anderson's talent and grace helped her to break down barriers, and she went on to a celebrated international career, including becoming the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1955.