Answer:
The answer is: "I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear."
Step-by-step explanation:
Marian Anderson was an American classical singer who became popular for her open concert at the Lincoln Memorial. This event broke the barrier between the white people and the black people.
Since she hasn't really faced such a huge crowd in her entire life, she stated, "I had become, whether I liked it or not, a symbol, representing my people. I had to appear." By saying this, as a black woman herself, she was able to bring dignity to people of her kind. She proudly sang, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," a patriotic song which attracted around 75,000 people (both whites and blacks).
Thus, her action eased discrimination for African American performers. It gave these performers a chance to achieve their dreams.