Legendary Lena

Most people know Lena Horne for her memorable voice, her classy demeanor and her stunning looks. The actress/singer has been a musical inspiration onscreen and onstage through her artistry alone, but we forget that she played a dynamic role for civil rights. From her first gig at the Cotton Club to her roles onscreen, she consistently fought for recognition. A role model for integration in terms of race and gender, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters honors Horne 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a dramatic, one-woman play about her life, A Song For You…The Civil Rights Journey of a Negro Woman: Lena Calhoun Horne. The show takes place in the Clarence Muse Café Theatre of the Dallas Convention Center, Canton and Akard streets. Tickets are $15. Call 214-743-2400.

Feb. 22-23, 8 p.m., 2008