John Malveaux: Marian Anderson christens the USS Booker T. Washington at the ship's launching on 29 September 1942 at Terminal Island

Marian Anderson christens USS Booker T. Washington

on 29 September 1942 at Terminal Island

Hugh Mulzak, Master, 

S.S. Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington Society

http://www.btwsociety.org/library/honors/13.php

John Malveaux of 

www.MusicUNTOLD.com 

writes:

Marian Anderson christens the USS Booker T. Washington at the ship's launching on 29 September 1942 at Terminal Island-http://www.who2.com/33891/photo/30380-Terminal Island is a largely-artificial island located in Los Angeles County, between the neighborhood of San Pedro in the city of City of Los Angeles, and the city of Long Beach. Terminal Island is roughly split between the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. The Booker T Washington was named for the noted educator and founder of the Tuskegee Industrial Institute, and was the first Liberty Ship named for an African American. Captain Hugh Mulzac served as master of the ship for four years. He was the first Black merchant marine naval officer to command an integrated crew in World War II. Of the 2,700 Liberty ships built, this was the first of 17 that were named after African-Americans.

John Malveaux

Comment by email:
Please see video of two Star Spangled Banner performances by Marian Anderson. The first performance was during launching of USS Booker T. Washington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYcheeUS5A

Thanks
John