In Remembrance of Lena Horne (1917 – 2010)

Before Beyonce and Halle Berry there was Lena. Nothing against those two but even together they couldn’t top Lena Horne on her strongest day. Singer, Dancer, Actress and Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne died on May 9th at the age of 92. It is impossible to talk about her accomplishments in one post because they were numerous. She was the epitome of Superstardom. She is not just a treasure for Blacks in America but for all Americans. She could sing songs from Gershwin to “The Wiz.” MGM studios signed a 7 year contract back in the early 1940s. This made here the first black woman to have a contract of such magnitude. Also the contract was written to where she would never have to play a maid on film. Horne used her status to fight against the racist policies of her day. She demanded that her band stay in quality hotels, and met with White House officials on civil rights issues. Horne even broke the color barrier in marriage by marring a white band conductor in a secret 3 year marriage. Horne lived a unique and colorful life. It was not always a good life but it was an amazing one. She is a pioneer that so many black women in show business owe so much to. May she rest in peace knowing that her legacy lives on.