Daughter of John Wesley Dobbs and aunt to Maynard H. Jackson Jr., Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Mattiwilda Dobbs was a renowned opera singer who amazed audiences in New York, Atlanta, and even Switzerland. Before she could perform on stages throughout the world, she had to discover her voice.

Dobbs faced many injustices and challenges in her career because of racism and segregation. Instead of allowing these experiences to impact her work, she would simply refuse to perform for segregated audiences, even in her home city of Atlanta. Instead, she would sing in cities, states, and countries that welcomed integrated crowds. Dobbs’ courage and perseverance helped her become the first Black woman to be offered an opportunity to permanently work for the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York and become the third African American singer to perform at the MET. Her voice would eventually carry her back home when she had the long-awaited opportunity to perform at the desegregated Atlanta Municipal Auditorium in 1962. Her determination helped her to stand up for what she believed so that her voice could truly be heard.