“You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.” – Lena Horne

Lena Horne (1917-2010) was an actress, singer, civil rights activist, pinup model and dancer. She won several awards during her lifetime for her remarkable talents and undying efforts and contributions in the fight against discrimination. “Lena Horne blazed a trail for all of us who followed. Thank you, Lena Horne. We love you and we will never ever forget you,” said Halle Berry at the 2002 Oscars. Lena Horne was the first movie star of African American decent to sign a contract with famed movie studio, MGM.  Horne also became involved in the civil rights movement, despite the risks she was taking on her career and fame. Horne has named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcom X as the people who influenced her to be active in the fight for civil rights. However, even before Dr. King and Malcom X started becoming known, Horne was advocating on her own. During the late 1940s, Horne had sued restaurants and theaters for practicing discrimination and not allowing certain people to enter due to their background.