Mary Cardwell Dawson (1894-1962)

Mary Cardwell Dawson (1894-1962) was the first Black American opera impresario, the founder of the Cardwell Dawson School, the Cardwell Dawson Choir, and the trailblazing National Negro Opera Company. This lesson takes students to an era when civil rights activism and artistic ambition combined. Mary’s leadership skills and passion for opera paved the way for hundreds of Black performers to launch or expand their musical careers. Her tireless work promoting the music of Black composers, insisting on racial equality for Black professional musicians and dancers, and bringing opera to Black audiences helped ensure that the world of opera could be open to people of all backgrounds.