Legendary Performer Lena Horne Passes Away at 92

I awoke to sad news this morning of Legendary Performer Lena Horne’s passing.

Lena helped shaped my view of grace, elegance and style. She started in the spotlight early, being a cover model for the N.A.A.C.P. at the age of 2. In an era where most black women were not considered for roles in Hollywood, Lena was the first African American woman to be signed to a long term movie contract, however, she only was credited in playing major roles in 2 films, “Cabin in the Sky” and  in the first adaptation of “Stormy Weather”. She appeared in several movies in musical segments that could be easily cut out when being played in segregated theaters throughout the country.

Lena thrived as a performer in the 40′s and 50′s, becoming the highest paid woman of color in the country at the time, blurring the color line in several television appearances and live performances. She left Hollywood abruptly, only to return in 1981 with her one woman Broadway show, “Lena Horne, The Lady and her Music”, which became the standard of how 1 woman shows are done on Broadway today. She won 5 Grammys, 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a host of other nominations and awards for her extraordinary body of work.  Alicia Keys has been pinned to play Lena in her life story. Janet Jackson was originally cast in the role, but was removed from consideration by Lena herself after Janet’s wardrobe malfunction during the Super Bowl.

I know that many things will be written about her now that she is gone. I feel that whatever I write will never give her legacy justice. Lena was quoted as saying, “My identity is very clear to me now. I am a black woman. I’m free. I no longer have to be a ‘credit.’ I don’t have to be a symbol to anybody; I don’t have to be a first to anybody. I don’t have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I’d become. I’m me, and I’m like nobody else.”

I watched her presence in cinema, her style, grace and beauty and she became my idol. I grew to learn of the discrimination she suffered during her career while still maintaining her elegant poise and she became my hero. You never want your heroes to leave you, you hope that they live forever to continue to inspire you and aide you in your journey. I am forever thankful. Rest in Peace Lady Lena.

Features Editor, Cassandra Jones-McBryde -- Daily Venus Diva.

• Website

+ Click for more info about Features Editor, Cassandra Jones-McBryde

Cassandra Jones-McBryde serves as Features Editor for Daily Venus Diva. She is US Director of the Fuller Women Expo, responsible for bringing together a number of outstanding local and international speakers and celebrities, seminars and workshops that attract attendees, sponsors, vendors and exhibitors from throughout North America. She also the Founder of The Fuller Woman Network which is a network of women from across the world who share our mission of self-love. Cassandra is also the co-founder and C.E.O. Pretty Girl Project, a non profit organization that helps girls realize their inner and outer beauty during critical stages of development. This is achieved by various initiatives and programs developed throughout the year. Where Are You From: I was born and raised proudly in Detroit. What were you doing before writing for DailyVenusDiva.com: I had written for a few independent online magazines until being blessed with being on the Daily Venus Diva team. What do you do for DailyVenusDiva.com: As Features Editor, I will bring news and information that resonates with our readers that effects various aspects of our lives. What does it mean to Thrive In Your Curves: It means to live unashamed of how we look, to learn not let our curves limit or dictate our destiny What is your favorite hobby: My favorite hobbies are creating initiatives that are geared to serving my community and volunteering for the same. That takes up most of my time. What is in your future: I don’t try to predict the future. I try to let God order my steps. What’s so special about DailyVenusDiva.com: A better question is what isn’t special about it! You will be hard pressed to find a site that caters to every aspect of women, that just happens to have more to love. I feel privileged to be a part of such an impactful group of women.