Lena Horne

Lena Horne was an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917, she rose to fame as a nightclub singer and Broadway performer in the 1930s and 1940s. Her career took off after she began appearing in films in the 1940s, becoming the first African-American to be signed to a long-term Hollywood contract. She also became well-known for her activism, speaking out against racism and advocating for civil rights.

Horne’s career spanned five decades, during which time she released over 20 albums and starred in a number of films. She was the first African-American to win a Tony Award (1957), and in 1989 she received a Kennedy Center Honor for her contributions to entertainment. Horne was also actively involved in numerous civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and CORE.

Horne’s influence extended beyond music and film. She was a role model for many African-American women and a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of racism and discrimination. She was also a passionate advocate for equality, speaking out against racism and advocating for civil rights. Her legacy lives on in her songs, her films, and her activism.