End this DAR myth

On the front page of the Mini-Page [BDN, Feb. 18], it states: “In 1939, Marian Anderson wanted to give a concert in Constitution Hall owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was refused because she was black.”

That is not true! She was refused because the building was reserved for another engagement on the date. When the story was printed, it was the news media that reacted and stated incorrectly that she was refused use of the building because of her color.

It is true that Washington, D.C., as well as some states, was segregated in 1939. But she was not refused for that reason stated by the press.

The DAR is a patriotic organization and its nationally printed by-laws state in the “Guide for Procedure in Chapters,” on page 14, that “Chapters shall not discriminate against the applicant on the basis of race or creed.” This statement about Marian Anderson against the DAR has unduly stigmatized this organization and is most regrettable. I do hope that enough readers of the Bangor Daily News will relinquish any former misinterpretations of discrimination by the DAR. Helen B. King Orono