Entertainer/Civil Rights Activist the late, great Lena Horne is now the 41st Honoree in the Black Heritage Stamp series. The United States Postal Service honored the iconic star by adding her image to the Forever Stamp. “We honor the 70-year career of a true American legend.
With this Forever stamp, the Postal Service celebrates a woman who used her platform as a renowned entertainer to become a prolific voice for Civil Rights advancement and gender equality,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman.
Born June 30, 1917, Horne began her career at the Harlem Cotton Club before she started touring as a vocalist. She was known as a trailblazer in Hollywood for women of color and used her celebrity to inspire others.
As an Activist, Horne spoke out on behalf of Japanese-Americans who were the target of World War II-era discrimination. She later fought for legislation against lynching and lent her voice to rallies during the Civil Rights movement.
The iconic singer also earned four Grammy Awards and a Tony Award. Ms. Lena Horne died in 2010 in New York. Thousands attended her funeral, including Entertainers Dionne Warwick, Liza Minnelli, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Leslie Uggams, and Vanessa Williams.
