In 2005, LeGon was labeled a pioneer of Black Hollywood by People magazine in 2005. She overcame racism in her field, both on and off the set. She remembered being snubbed by Fred Astaire in 1947, whom she had performed with a decade before she was cast as a maid in one of his productions; Astaire did not acknowledge LeGon’s presence on the set, which left her highly upset.
LeGon has been recognized by the American Tap Dance Association. In 1999, she was part of a documentary called Living in a Great Big Way by Grant Greshuck. In 2006, she was also honored by the National Congress of Black Women.
Jeni LeGron passed away on Friday, December 7, 2012 at age 96 in Vancouver, Canada.
I am glad to know about Ms LeGon who I never heard of before. Just another of talented black folks who are not spotlighted.