I can't afford a fancy-smancy Legends Ball like Oprah, but in honor of Black History Month, I'd like to give a shout out to one of my favorite living legends, Ms. Lena Horne.

As the first African-American woman to secure a long-term contract with a major studio (MGM), she broke ground in Hollywood.

Unfortunately, the south still was not ready to see an actress play anything more than a maid. Many of Lena's film roles were cut, left on the editing floor to please audiences below the Mason Dixie Line.

Nevertheless, she had film success in the all black musicals, CABIN IN THE SKY and STORMY WEATHER, in which she sang the title song.

Her career started at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem when she was 16. Over the years she has recorded over 25 albums. Her sultry jazz vocals and acting skills earned her 4 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, a Tony, and numerous other awards. As an activist, Lena made noteworthy contributions to the Civil Rights movement.

Born in 1917 (you do the math), Lena is still kicking it with her family and close friends. She no longer makes public appearances, but I have a hunch she's one good-looking senior citizen. Indeed, this classy sister from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn was one of the first to change Hollywood into Hollyhood. All hail to the queen.

Avon Books will publish my first novel, HOLLYHOOD in ’09.

Valerie Joyner