On this date in 1925, Mattiwilda Dobbs was born. She was an influential African American soprano opera singer, known for breaking barriers in the classical music world. Dobbs made history as one of the first African American women to have a successful career in opera, performing with major opera companies in the United States and Europe. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to perform a wide range of roles. She made significant contributions to opera, breaking racial barriers in the mid-20th century. Her debut at La Scala in Milan in 1953 and her U.S. debut in 1955 with the San Francisco Opera marked key milestones in her career.

Her performances were celebrated not only for her vocal skill but also for her ability to bring depth to the roles she portrayed. Mattiwilda Dobbs was a trailblazer for Black artists in opera during a time when racial discrimination was prevalent, especially in the classical music world.