Mary McLeod Bethune gave the address at the launching ceremony and Marian Anderson christened the ship. As part of the Maritime Commission plan the ship was to be delivered after sea trials and acceptance to the command of the only African American in the nation to hold a master's certificate, Captain Hugh Mulzac.
Mary McLeod Bethune gave an address at the launching ceremony, while Marian Anderson performed the christening. According to the Maritime Commission plan, the ship was to be delivered after sea trials and acceptance to the command of the only African American in the nation with a master's degree, Captain Hugh Mulzac.