The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte. His creative expression and imagination are a constant reminder that legacy is not only something we inherit, but something we continue to build. This piece brings together history, voice, and the next generation of artists in one meaningful object meant to be used every day.
My Voice Opens Doors Collector Mug honors the life and legacy of Marian Anderson, an African American contralto singer born in Philadelphia in 1897. She began singing in church as a young girl, especially spirituals, and people quickly recognized the depth and power in her voice. Even with her talent, she was turned away from some music schools because of segregation, so she studied privately and continued performing wherever she could.
Her career grew internationally, and she became known across Europe and the United States for her discipline, control, and emotional depth in music. In 1939 she was denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. because of her race. Instead, she performed on Easter Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial before more than seventy five thousand people, with millions more listening on the radio, in what became one of the most important cultural moments in American history. In 1955 she became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, opening the door for future generations of singers. She later sang at the March on Washington in 1963 and received many honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the National Medal of Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Marian Anderson often spoke about dignity, perseverance, and equality. She once said, “As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down,” and she also said, “When I sing, I want them to see my soul.” Her life showed that excellence, faith, and discipline can change history.
The message of this mug connects both stories. Marian Anderson used her voice to open doors that had long been closed, and Lamonte’s artwork reflects the same freedom to express, create, and be heard. Together, they remind us that a voice used with courage and purpose can travel farther than we ever imagine.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
