Einstein was an advocate for racial equality and demonstrated this when concert singer Marian Anderson, who was African American, was denied a room at the Nassau Inn during her 1937 visit to Princeton. Einstein offered her a place to stay at his home, highlighting his personal commitment to racial tolerance while also making a public statement against discrimination.

Anderson faced further racial barriers when she was unable to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Instead, she held a landmark free concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Throughout her life, she maintained a close relationship with Einstein, often staying at his home during her visits to Princeton, with her last visit occurring just two months prior to his passing.