By Justine McKnight

Actress, singer and absolute stunner, Lena Horne, passed away at 92 yesterday in Manhattan from failing health that started several months ago. Until today, I didn’t know who Lean Horne was, but after learning about the huge strides she made as an African American woman in a time of absolute ignorance, I am filled with hope and pride that what really matters in life is your determination. In short, Lena Horne was born in 1917 – a fire filled Cancer, she made her way onto the scene in New York’s Cotton Club, where she would perform jazz songs in an all black community. Seeking work as an actress on Broadway or in films, sad but true, Lena would be turned down time and time again simply because most thought the world wasn’t “ready” to see a leading lady of color.

Her chart shows she has three placements in Gemini which could’ve definitely been a leading factor in why this strong human being just wouldn’t give up. It wasn’t until she was well into her 60s in the early 1980s that her one woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, finally showed the bulk of North America what she had been forced to hide for many years – enormous talent. “The reason they never let Lena Horne star in the movies was pretty obvious,” said the late Gregory Hines around that time. “She would have blown all the other ‘stars’ away. Her two best known movie roles were made during World War II, Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky - she sang the title song in Stormy Weather which has gone on to be one of her most popular performances.

Lena’s life, just like so many others, is a real example of what a little blood, sweat and tears can do for the entirety of mankind. She committed her life to living, breathing and sleeping performance and made history while doing so. She should be very proud of herself … as I’m sure most of the world is today. RIP Ms. Lena Horne.