Award-winning musician Solange is set to receive the first-ever Lena Horne for Artists Creating Social Impact. The prize is named after the singer and actress who was involved in the civil rights movement and is the first to be named after a woman of colour.
In a statement, Solange shared her excitement at the honour. She said in part, “I will never forget being a young girl and the impact of hearing the great Lena Horne so radiantly and powerfully singing the words ‘believe in yourself’ from that remarkable moment in The Wiz.”
She continued, “I have carried it with me closely my entire life. At the age of 12, I played this very role at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston, Texas and it was then I learned about Lena’s dedicated activism and fearless integrity as a woman and groundbreaking artist. I am honored to be receiving an award that bears her name and continue her legacy of using the arts to inspire reflection and evoke change.”
Solange to receive the first-ever Lena Horne Prize. Congratulations!
