You Must Remember This Blacklist Flashback: Lena Horne During WWII
May 10, 2016
Explore the remarkable journey of Lena Horne, a pioneering Black actress who rose to prominence during WWII. Discover her bold performances for troops, showcasing her commitment to entertaining Black soldiers amid segregation. Delve into her struggles against Hollywood's racial prejudices and her fight for identity. Horne's evolution from a chorus girl to a trailblazer in major studio films highlights her resilience. Experience her triumphs, the challenges she faced, and her lasting impact on representation in the entertainment industry.
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From Cotton Club Chorus To Featured Singer
- Lena Horne rose from Harlem nightclubs like the Cotton Club to featured singing roles by her late teens.
- She used beauty and hard work to climb a segregated entertainment ladder while enduring exploitation and backstage snark.
MGM's Token Star-Making Gesture
- MGM signed Lena Horne in 1942 as a symbolic move to show studios were changing their treatment of Black performers.
- The contract promised non-stereotypical roles but functioned largely as a publicity gesture rather than full inclusion.
Glamour And Limits In Cabin In The Sky
- Lena's roles in Panama Hattie and Cabin in the Sky presented a glamorous Black woman rarely seen on screen.
- Cabin in the Sky was a major hit, but segregation and regional censorship limited Black audiences' access and studio follow-through.
