34. Aged just 11, Nina refused to perform a recital when her parents were moved to the back of the venue because of their race
Miss Mazzy also taught Nina the etiquette of a concert pianist and arranged for her to perform piano recitals in public. One of these recitals was crucial in the development of Nina’s social consciousness. In 1944, 11-year-old Nina was due to play at the Lanier Library to an all-white crowd, but had insisted that her parents attend. Kate and John sat at the front, but just as Nina was ready to begin, she saw her parents being hustled to the back. Incredibly, Nina refused to play until her parents returned to their seats. The shocked host obliged.
