Biden Almost Breaks Down During Speech for National Medal of the Arts

In a heartfelt ceremony on Monday, President Joe Biden fought back tears while reciting the lyrics to “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” The event recognized the recipients of the National Medal of the Arts and the National Medal of the Humanities, awarded for the last two years.

Among the honored were renowned performers like Idina Menzel, Missy Elliott, and Selena, alongside acclaimed filmmakers Spike Lee, Ken Burns, and Steven Spielberg. Actresses Eva Longoria and Queen Latifah also received accolades. Throughout his keynote address, Biden received multiple standing ovations, showcasing the respect and admiration these artists command.

Biden took a moment to reflect on Marian Anderson, a Black contralto opera singer and a civil rights icon. In 1939, Anderson faced discrimination when the Daughters of the American Revolution denied her the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall. This led then-first lady Eleanor Roosevelt to organize a groundbreaking outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial, where Anderson sang to a large audience.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired by that performance,” Biden said. “He heard the voice of Marian Anderson standing in the light of the Lincoln Memorial, from the shadow of Jim Crow, singing ‘My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty.’” As he spoke, Biden became visibly emotional, pausing briefly on the word “liberty” as the weight of history resonated in the room.

The audience responded with applause, acknowledging the significance of Anderson’s legacy. “Her performance is described as the concert that sparked the Civil Rights Movement,” Biden added, emphasizing the impact of Anderson’s artistry.

In a powerful moment of remembrance, Biden noted that King later invited Anderson to perform again at the Lincoln Memorial during his historic March on Washington in 1963. There, she sang the spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” further solidifying her role in the civil rights movement.

“My fellow Americans, today we honor that legacy,” Biden concluded. “We remember the power in all your hands.” His words served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the profound influence of art in shaping societal change.

President Biden becomes emotional quoting 'My Country 'Tis of Thee' while recalling a young Martin Luther King Jr. listening to the radio in 1939 and hearing Marian Anderson singing at the Lincoln Memorial.

Full video here: https://t.co/IwKDTsLGMG pic.twitter.com/EKMW5pBooz

— CSPAN (@cspan) October 21, 2024