Lena Horne was a pioneering African American actress, singer, and civil rights activist who broke down racial barriers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. She was born in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York, and began her career as a performer at a young age. Horne faced significant discrimination in the entertainment industry due to her race, but she persevered and became one of the first African American women to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio.

Horne is perhaps best known for her work as a singer and actress in films like "Stormy Weather" and "Cabin in the Sky." She also had a successful career as a recording artist, releasing numerous albums and performing in popular nightclubs.

In addition to her entertainment career, Lena Horne was a dedicated civil rights activist. She used her platform to speak out against racism and segregation and was actively involved in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Horne worked closely with organizations like the NAACP and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in support of equal rights for African Americans.

Throughout her life, Lena Horne was a trailblazer who used her talent and influence to push for racial equality and social justice. Her impact on both the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement continues to be felt and celebrated today.