Canada Lee Foundation records

1952-1956

Canada Lee was an African American actor who performed on stage, screen, radio, and television; his most well-known performances included roles 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, including Walter White, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Oscar Hammerstein II, and Margaret Webster, 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-1950s.