51.   Rarely a standard-bearer for racial inclusion, the Oscars offer possibly their highest profile ever for black performers next month.

52.   The award is named for Marian Anderson, the late opera singer and Philadelphia native who was the first black performer to entertain at the White House.

53.   The award is named after the late opera singer and Philadelphia native who was the first black performer to sing at the White House.

54.   The honor is named after Marian Anderson, the late opera singer and Philadelphia native who was the first black performer to sing at the White House.

55.   The two also won great standing in the blues heartland of black performers and fans.

56.   There was Charley Pride, who takes credit for being the first black performer in Branson.