Emma Azalia Hackley

Biography

Emma Azalia Hackley was an acclaimed contralto, educator, and advocate for African American music who traveled widely to promote spirituals and classical repertoire. She founded the Vocal Normal Institute and sought to create training opportunities for Black singers, nurturing artistry that reflected pride in heritage.

Her tireless energy inspired countless students and audiences, and her writings urged society to place compassion above color. When she died in 1922, Detroit and the national music community remembered her as a compassionate teacher and a luminous voice for justice.