Lena Horne in London, 1964
The Brooklyn-born beauty passed on Sunday at 92 years-old, commemorating a life marked by activism, triumph, and elegance during a time in America when the opportunities for black performers were virtually nonexistent.
“You wouldn’t be allowed to get on a particular bus, but you’d be asked to sign your autograph,” Horne said in a 1998 interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Here’s to Lena Horne, and to all of the black actresses and entertainers who did the best they could despite the hostile circumstances. Your work, persistence, and energy will never be forgotten.
Read this glowing biography from the Chicago Tribune, and for the ’80’s babies who remember watching Lena Horne on The Cosby Show:
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