Lena Horne Honored at Red Bird Mall for Women’s History Month

Local leaders came together to honor noted civil rights activist, singer and actress Lena Horne (1917-2010) at Red Bird Mall in a special ceremony for Women’s History Month. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Horne’s career started at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club as a dancer, then live singer. Her talent was quickly spotted by MGM studios who signed her and became known as one of the top African-American performers of her time. She was known for her refusal to play roles that stereotyped African-American women.

In addition to her work as a performer, she served fearlessly as a civil rights activist, collaborating with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws, as well as attending the March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr., and marched in Mississippi with Medgar Evers. She remains an icon for African-American performers.

Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, Councilmember Tennell Atkins, and Councilmember Adam McGough attended the event along with County Commissioner John Wiley Price.
United States Post Office Officials unveiled the Black Heritage Lena Horne Forever Stamp during the ceremony. It’s the 41st in the Black Heritage series.

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