Born: 3 September 1910, United States
Died: 19 February 1996
Country most active: International
Also known as: Dorothy Leigh Mainor, Dorothy Maynor-Rooks
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Dorothy Maynor was a celebrated American soprano, concert singer, and founder of the Harlem School of the Arts. In 1939, she impressed Sergei Koussevitzky at the Berkshire Festival, leading to her New York debut. Despite racial barriers, she toured the USA, Europe, and Latin America. She was the first African American to sing at a presidential inauguration, performed on radio, and in 1964, established the Harlem School of the Arts. Her legacy includes honorary degrees and serving on the board of the Metropolitan Opera.