Angelou, Lear to get Marian Anderson Award

There will be not one but two recipients of the Marian Anderson Awards this year on its 10th anniversary.

Woman of letters Maya Angelou and television pioneer Norman Lear will get the city's award to recognize artists who promote human rights, Mayor Nutter announced early this afternoon.

Angelou and Lear will get their awards - $100,000 each - at a Kimmel Center gala on Nov. 17.

Wachovia is the lead sponsor of the award program.

Gov. Rendell will receive a special honor, as well.

Mayor John F. Street last year announced that the city was pledging $250,000 to sustain the award and said Rendell had promised that the state would match it. As a result, the award had an endowment of $500,000.