This inspiring story of little-known civil rights champion Oscar
Chapman reminds readers that one person can truly make a difference.
On Easter Sunday 1939, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the
Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. The person largely
responsible for putting her there was a white man, Oscar Chapman. When
Chapman learned that Marian Anderson was not allowed to sing at
Constitution Hall because of the color of her skin, Chapman helped
produce a landmark concert that―for at least one evening―bridged the
color divide to bring a city and much of the nation together.
Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of
Oscar Chapman's lifelong commitment to ending bigotry. Illustrator
Leonard Jenkins's remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay
tribute to remarkable real-life people and a magical moment in modern
history. An author's note provides additional historical context.