A rare unanimous vote in the Senate signaled the passing of a resolution honoring Lena Horne, the esteemed jazz vocalist and civil rights pioneer who died last week at the age of 92.
Introduced by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) the bipartisan resolution recognized Horne’s lifelong efforts as an actress, singer and civil rights activist, according to the Associated Press.
”Lena Horne’s legendary voice and her lifelong dedication to fighting inequality will continue to inspire future generations of Americans,” said Gillibrand, introducing the measure. “While we join together to mourn the loss of an American treasure and icon, we also celebrate Lena Horne’s incredible life and legacy. I offer my condolences to her family and friends.”
The resolution was passed on May 14, just as Horne’s friends and admirers paid her tribute at a New York memorial service. Co-sponsors include: Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Roland Burris (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Robert Casey (D-PA), Carl Levin (D-MI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Charles Schumer (D-NY).
Representatives John Conyers (D-MI) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) will be submitting a similar resolution in the United States House of Representatives in the coming days.
