[Camilla
Williams (Photo: Progress-Index.com)]
Patrick
D. McCoy sends a link to an article by Markus Schmidt at
Progress-Index.com, from which we present an excerpt:
Progress-Index.com
The journey of opera star began at VSUby
markus schmidt (staff writer)
Published:
February 16, 2012
Her
final performance at Virginia State University on Feb. 14, 1993,
marked the end of a chapter in the life of Camilla Williams that
began in the 1930s, when she launched her career at what was then
called Virginia State College to become the first African-American
singer to receive a contract with a major national opera company.
Last month, Williams
passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that will
inspire future generations and that began right here in Ettrick. "This school
has immediately recognized a rare talent," VSU President Dr.
Keith T. Miller said yesterday at a memorial service for Williams at
Virginia Hall. "Virginia State University has nurtured this
talent," Miller said.
Williams was born in
1919 in Danville into a family of amateur singers and musicians. One
of her earliest inspirations was her grandfather, Alexander Carey,
who had been a singer and choir leader.
Patrick
D. McCoy
Contributor, Arts
and Culture, CBSWashington.com
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