Who is Lena Baker?

Tichina Arnold is solid in Atlanta Film Fest opener By Bob Longino | Friday, April 4, 2008, 07:27 AM The Atlanta Journal-Constitution The made-in-Georgia “The Lena Baker Story” has at least one memorable element: a solid, gut-wrenching performance from lead actress Tichina Arnold. “Lena Baker,” based on the true story of the only woman ever put to death in Georgia’s electric chair and filmed in south Georgia by Ralph Wilcox, is the opening night feature for the Atlanta Film Festival, which will run from Thursday to April 19. Arnold commits herself to the role of an African-American woman, who in the 1940s was held as a sex slave by the white father of her employer. A late-night fight ends in death and Baker is convicted of murder and executed. She was posthumously pardoned 60 years later. It’s a strong, dramatic performance, showing off Arnold’s edgier side and stands in stark contrast to the comedic roles she often does for television.