December 27, 2001–January 3, 2002

cover story | what happened next

"Marian’s Song"

Feb. 15

The story: Blanche Burton-Lyles is on a mission to preserve the Philadelphia legacy of her mentor, groundbreaking contralto Marian Anderson.

What happened next: Energizer Bunny wannabe Burton-Lyles, founder and president of the Marian Anderson Historical Society (MAHS), continues her efforts on behalf of this nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of Marian Anderson. Now included on the city’s list of visitor destinations, the Anderson residence will also appear in a marketing video for Philly’s African-American historical sites. A children’s book about the life and times of the legendary vocalist and civil rights icon is in the works. Marian Anderson Scholar and National Metropolitan Opera competition winner Latonia Moore became the first MAHS Artist in Residence in 2001. Despite these successes, MAHS remains in critical need of funding to continue to mentor its scholars, for professional staff, website development and volunteer recruitment.

—Trish Boppert