On June 8, 2024, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall, home of The Philadelphia Orchestra, in honor of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian. The first major concert venue in the world to honor the late performer and trailblazer, Marian Anderson Hall will be a permanent monument to its namesake’s artistry and achievements, a reflection of the inclusive future she helped to engender, and an active testament to the intersection of music, art, and positive social impact. More information can be found here: https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/marianandersonhall.
On Wednesday June 19 at 7:00 pm in celebration of Juneteenth, the PAC Center will host a free Community Conversation on Marian Anderson’s life with Emile "Joe" Henwood who has recently published a book “Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson” that documents the life of this American icon. Joe will begin the presentation with a brief eyewitness report of the events leading up to and including the historic opening of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel followed by 50-minute video by the Rockefeller and Pew foundations introducing the on and off-stage real life of who Marian Anderson really was - as a humble, private, and grateful person.
The conversation will continue over refreshments as Mr. Henwood takes questions from the audience.
Researching Marian Anderson’s 96-year life was an exciting privilege for Emile Henwood. He believes that those who remember the icon as simply a great singer are missing 90 percent of what this trailblazing humanitarian really accomplished. His research connects the dots between significant events throughout Marian Anderson’s entire life to our present time.
Emile Henwood, commonly known as Joe, is an accomplished athlete and veteran. Born in Southwest Philadelphia, he is the oldest of nine children. Joe served in the U.S. military as a naval aviator. While in high school at West Philadelphia Catholic Boys High School, Joe rowed as a single sculler winning two national championships. As a member of Vesper Boat Club, he repeatedly earned seats on four United States' National Rowing Team boats representing the country in Canada and Europe. Joe won two gold and two silver medals in international rowing competitions. He received a full scholarship for rowing at St. Joseph's University where he captained the crew team. Joe graduated from St. Joe's with a B.S. in Marketing/Management and was inducted into the St. Joe's Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Currently, Joe resides in Upper Providence Township, Delaware County.