In Memoriam, Lena Horne
Portage, IN - Back in the 1960s when visiting family in Kansas City we would occasionally catch a show at the outdoor venue in Swope Park called Starlight Theater. During one of those trips I was fortunate enough to see Lena Horne perform the lead roll in Porgy and Bess. Her performance got my attention and held it back then. Considering my youthful nature and that Porgy and Bess is a modern day opera, getting and holding my attention with that kind of show was not a bad trick. It moved me to the point that I still remember it to this day.
Ms. Horne passed away over the weekend at the age of 92. In hearing of her death on the news today I learned that she was also an activist that stood up for the segregated blacks in the US Army of World War II. She made quite a bit of noise about the matter. The USO decided they did not want her performing after she refused to perform before segregated audiences. Way to go Ms. Horne.
A part of me mourns the passing of a gifted artist that stirred a love of music in a young boy. Another part of me mourns the passing of someone who stood up for the African American troops that fought and died for this nation. A small selfish part of me mourns yet one more part of my youth passing forever in to the footnotes of history.
Travel easy to what ever comes next, Ms. Horne. Thank you for that wonderful performance on an outdoor stage all those years ago.
You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.
- Lena Horne