Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at the event last week where Verizon Hall, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, was renamed as Marian Anderson Hall. Photo by Philadelphia Tribune/Abdul R. Sulayman.
In Wednesday’s (2/28) Philadelphia Inquirer, Peter Dobrin writes, “During Wednesday’s announcement that Verizon Hall would be renamed in honor of Marian Anderson, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker … looked up from the lectern and appeared to speak extemporaneously about the importance of arts and culture to the future of Philadelphia. ‘I also want you to know that this really is a reminder to us about all the work that we have to do to ensure that this concert hall stays open… So every time you hear us referencing the importance of making our city the safest, the cleanest, the greenest big city in the nation, with economic opportunity for all, you have to know that arts and culture play an essential role in helping to make that happen.’… She talked about how the renaming of the hall for the contralto and civil rights leader sent a message to ‘young people here in the city of Philadelphia who will one day get the opportunity to see this place, know that it exists, and particularly for those Black and brown young people to know that someone like them was worthy of a distinction like this. That means a great deal.’ ”
