America has lost an icon. An icon of the Civil Rights Movement, music, television, Broadway, and most importantly, of life. The eternally beautiful Lena Horne passed away on Sunday Night in New York. She was 92.
One of the first African Americans to sign a long-term contract with a major studio (MGM), Horne earned the respect of many by leaving Hollywood when they refused to provide her the opportunities she deserved; in turn, refusing to play inferior roles. She headed home to New York, and took to the stage, where she shined like the star she was. Her firm stance against racial discrimination and inequality led her to be blacklisted in the 1950’s, which could have easily put an end to her career…but her resolve was too strong. She became a civil rights activist during some of our nation’s ugliest years, fighting alongside martyrs like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Throughout her illustrious career, she worked with legends from Duke Ellington to Harry Belafonte; from Flip Wilson to Michael Jackson; from Dean Martin to Bill Cosby. Her career has spanned more decades than most of us have been alive. Words could never do justice in describing the life, drive, and talent of such a timeless beauty. I’m thankful to remember Ms. Horne. I remember seeing her on The Cosby Show as a kid, and her inner and outer classic beauty was obvious to even a child. To see her and hear her was to feel her. You will be missed, Lena Horne…but to borrow a line from your fellow New York royalty, “a world with amnesia won’t forget your name.”
Tony Balasandiran | New Media Specialist
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