America’s first Black opera singers debuted in Sacramento [Video]

(FOX40.COM) — Following the mass migration of the Gold Rush in the early 1850s, an African American New York barber, his wife, and two children made the 3,000-mile journey west to strike a figurative gold of their own.

Finding themselves in Sacramento, Samuel B. Hyers set up shop in the future capital city as his wife Annie E. Hyers tended to the musical education of their daughters Anna and Emma.

The young sisters showed a natural vocal and musical ability as he continued to invest in their education.

German professor Hugo Sank and later opera singer Josephine D’Ormy taught the young girls before they began performing for private parties to prepare for larger audiences.

The Hyers Sisters, at the ages of 9 and 11, would make their public debut on April 22, 1867, at the Sacramento Metropolitan Theater, which was located on K Street between 4th and 5th streets.

This …