Once in A Hundred Years

This documentary traces the arc of Marian Anderson’s life and her struggles against racism and poverty.

• Fred Vigeant/WITF
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Fred Vigeant is WITF's Director of Programming and Promotions for TV and Radio. Fred manages the schedules for our radio and television platforms. He also analyzes audience research and manages the public affairs program Smart Talk. Previously, Fred was at WRVO in Oswego, NY for 12 years serving in various roles including Program Director and before that Operations Manager. Fred graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcasting.

 

Marian Anderson (1897–1993) is considered one of the most important opera performers of the 20th century.

The celebrated contralto was born in South Philadelphia on Feb. 27, 1897, and played a vital role in the acceptance of African Americans in classical music and other segregated performing arts genres.

Marian Anderson: Once in a Hundred Years traces the arc of Anderson’s life and her struggles against racism and poverty.

The program culminates with her battle against the Daughters of the American Revolution, which led to her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Watch Marian Anderson: Once in a Hundred Years Friday February 26 at 9:00pm on WITF.