[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF LENA HORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1362, 
which honors the tremendous accomplishments of the late Lena Mary 
Calhoun Horne, who passed away on May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. Born in 
1917 in Brooklyn, NY, Lena Horne was one of the most prolific and 
accomplished performers of her time. At the young age of 16, Ms. Horne 
began her career when she joined the chorus line of the famous Cotton 
Club in Harlem. Over the years, her phenomenal talent garnered 
increasing critical acclaim and widespread recognition, as she became 
one of the most prominent figures in American entertainment.
  I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman 
Conyers for honoring the legacy of this superb American actress and 
songstress.
  Despite the segregation-era law that prohibited African Americans 
from playing leading roles in white films or plays, Ms. Horne's talent 
attracted widespread national attention. She was beloved for her part 
in the 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Additionally, for her role in the 
Calypso musical Jamaica, Ms. Horne was nominated for a Tony Award for 
``Best Actress in a Musical.''
  Ms. Horne's musical career was equally impressive. In 1957, her live 
album entitled Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the best 
selling album by a female recording artist in the history of the RCA-
Victor label. In the 1950s, Ms. Horne appeared in a number of popular 
television shows including, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, 
The Judy Garland Show, and The Andy Williams Show.
  Lena Horne's pursuits were not limited to the stage. She was an 
outspoken activist committed to fighting racism and Jim Crow. She 
attended the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King 
delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech and performed on behalf 
of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 
(NAACP), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the 
National Council of Negro Women. During World War II, she refused to 
perform before segregated audiences and protested shows in which German 
Prisoners of War were seated in front of African American soldiers.
  I salute the artistic talent and inspirational life led by Lena 
Horne. I commend her contribution to the richness of American 
performance art and vocal stances against oppression and 
discrimination. Lena Horne captivated and inspired a nation and she 
will be greatly missed.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1362.

                          ____________________