Howard Says Farewell to Beloved Son Ossie Davis

Funeral service for alumnus Ossie Davis, actor, writer, producer, director and activist, was held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Riverside Church in New York. He passed away on Friday, Feb. 4, at the age of 87. A beloved son of Howard University, Davis was a regular visitor to campus, having recently served as the orator for the 137th Charter Day where he received a Citation of Achievement. Delivering a powerful keynote address about the School of Law’s role in 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Case, Davis called for “eternal vigilance.” He said the law school stepped up during a critical time in history. “The Supreme Court spoke with a forked tongue with Plessy v. Ferguson,” he said. “Howard University School of Law stepped up to become the people’s eye.” While touting those who were instrumental in the desegregation movement, he cautioned that there is still much work to be done. “Democracy is a delicate operation and attention must always be paid. Who is better qualified than Howard University.”

Davis and Ruby Dee during the May 17 Brown Gala Tribute.

A native of Cogdell, Ga., Davis began his extensive career in 1939 as a writer and an actor with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. He made his Broadway debut in 1946 in "Jeb," and went on to perform in countless Broadway productions including “Anna Lucasta,” “The Wisteria Trees,” “Green Pastures,” and the stage version of “I'm Not Rappaport.” In 1961, Davis wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed “Purlie Victorious.” He was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1994.

Extending his talents to the big and small screens, Davis performed in numerous films and television shows. He made his film debut in 1950 in “No Way Out” with Sidney Poitier. And continued to work in more recent productions such as Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and “Get on the Bus,” “Dr. Dolittle” with Eddie Murphy, Showtime’s “12 Angry Men” and CBS’ “Touched By An Angel.” At the time of his death, he was in Florida filming his 35th movie, "Retirement."

Also an accomplished writer, he authored of three children's books: "Escape to Freedom" (honored by the American Library Association and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award); "Langston"; and "Just Like Martin." And, he and wife Ruby Dee marked their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 with the publication of their joint autobiography, "With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together."

For his vast talents and contributions, he received many honors and citations, including a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa in 1973 from Howard, the N.Y. Urban League Frederick Douglass Award, the NAACP Image Award, the National Medal of Arts, and most recently a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award to both he and Ruby Dee.

References:

Remembering Ossie Davis 1917-2005

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