Canada Lee Foundation

Canada Lee was a well known actor who performed on stage, screen, radio and television, with his most important performances being in Richard Wright's "Native Son," "Cry the Beloved Country," and "On Whitman Avenue." Born in New York City in 1907, Lee's diverse career included stints as a jockey, prizefighter, bandleader and violinist.

Following Lee's death in December 1952, his widow, Frances Lee and leaders in entertainment and politics organized the Canada Lee Foundation to preserve his memory and ideals through aid and encouragement to talented youth in the dramatic arts. The Foundation sought to assist in the full integration of African American youth in all phases of the performing arts including writing, producing, directing and acting, both amateur and professional. It provided scholarships to talented young actors and presented awards of recognition to individuals representing various aspects of the theatrical arts. It also produced a posthumus private edition record album, entitled "The Canada Lee Memorial Record," which included readings and dramatic presentations by Lee. The Foundation, which was not conceived as a permanent body, ceased functioning in the mid 1950's.

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