One of the most fabulous women of her era, Lena Horne, has passed at the age of 92.
She helped to transform the image of African American women in movies and media as the first black woman to sign a major motion picture contract. She included in the contract with MGM that she would never play a maid. From television to movies to singing and dancing, she was indeed the epitome of Hollywood glam and class.
"What people tend not to fully comprehend today is what Lena Horne did to transform the image of the African American woman in Hollywood," said Donald Bogle, a film historian.
"Movies are a powerful medium and always depicted African American women before Lena Horne as hefty, mammy-like maids who were ditzy and giggling," Bogle said. "Lena Horne becomes the first one the studios begin to look at differently. . . . Really just by being there, being composed and onscreen with her dignity intact paved the way for a new day" for black actresses.
Let her life's work and contributions not be in vain. Job well done thy good and faithful servant. She was truly shining star way above her time!
Check out this performance of Stormy Weather (1943):
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