On Wednesday, June 19 at 7 pm, the Park Ave Community Center will host “Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson,” a free event celebrating the life of the legendary contralto and civil rights icon Marian Anderson, as well as Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

The event will feature Emile “Joe” Henwood, who recently published the book “Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson.” Henwood will share details about the Kimmel Center’s recent rededication of Verizon Hall in Anderson’s honor as Marian Anderson Hall, a permanent monument to her artistry, achievements, and role in advancing civil rights.

A video presentation will follow Henwood’s talk produced by the Rockefeller and Pew foundations introducing the on and off-stage real life of Marian Anderson. The event will conclude with a community discussion about Anderson’s legacy.

“Marian Anderson was a pioneering artist and activist who helped pave the way for so many, and her story deserves to be remembered,” said Rosemary Fox, Executive Director of the PAC Center. “We are honored to host this event, especially on the Juneteenth holiday, to celebrate her courage, recognize her immense contributions, and continue the important conversations she started.”

The free event will be held at the PAC Center, Wednesday June 19 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. 129 Park Ave in Swarthmore. RSVP is encouraged.
More Information