Early Years

Ossie Davis was born on December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia. He was the fifth of twelve children born to Kince Charles Davis, a railway construction engineer, and his wife, Laura. His birth name was Raiford Chatman Davis, but he later changed it to the more memorable Ossie.

Davis was raised in Waycross, Georgia, and attended high school in nearby Valdosta. After graduating in 1937, he enrolled in Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied acting, literature, and drama.

Personal Life

In 1945, Davis married his first wife, Ruby Dee, and they went on to have three children. The couple remained together until his death in 2005. They often collaborated on projects and were pioneers in the civil rights movement.

Influences

Davis was strongly influenced by the works of Langston Hughes, W. E. B. Du Bois, and James Baldwin, who all wrote about the African American experience and its struggle for equality. These writers inspired his early works and gave him the confidence to become a powerful voice in the civil rights movement.

Career

Malcolm X Eulogy On February 21st 1965, Ossie Davis delivered an eloquent and memorable eulogy at the funeral of Malcolm X. He described Malcolm X as a "militant voice of the Negro" and praised him for his courage and bravery. He also reminded those present of Malcolm X's tireless activism in the fight for civil rights, stating that his death should not be in vain. He ended the speech with a call to action, asking those present to uphold Malcolm X's legacy of activism and courage.

MLK Eulogy On April 9th 1968, Ossie Davis delivered a powerful eulogy at the funeral of Martin Luther King, Jr. He described King as a "drum major for justice" and praised him for his commitment to the civil rights movement. He also recognized King's achievements in promoting nonviolent resistance, stating that his death should be a call to action to continue the fight for freedom and justice. He ended the speech with a call to remember King's legacy of activism and courage.

Philosophy and Opinion Ossie Davis was a critically acclaimed actor, writer and director, but he was also a respected philosopher and opinion leader. He wrote extensively on issues such as race, poverty and civil rights, and used his voice to advocate for social justice and equality. He was a committed activist and believed that everyone should work together to create a fairer and more equitable society.

Civil Rights Ossie Davis was a passionate advocate for civil rights and was a long-time member of the NAACP. He was one of the few celebrities to speak out against segregation and racism, and he was an influential figure in the civil rights movement. He also attended many civil rights rallies and was arrested twice for his participation in the marches. He was known for his commitment to civil rights and his unwavering dedication to the cause.

Theater and Film Ossie Davis was a prolific theater and film actor, with a career spanning six decades. He was best known for his roles in films such as 'Do the Right Thing', 'Cotton Comes to Harlem' and 'Grumpy Old Men'. He was also an accomplished stage actor and was nominated for Tony Awards for his performances in 'Purlie Victorious' and 'The Zulu and the Zayda'.

Accomplishments

Davis was a major figure in the civil rights movement. He was a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr., and spoke at his funeral in 1968. Davis was also an early supporter of the NAACP, and was a founding member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).

Books

• Ossie Davis: The Life and Times of an American Cultural Icon, by Edith Mayo
• Ossie Davis: A Life of Struggle and Triumph, by Edith Mayo
• The Ossie Davis Story: A Life in Letters, by Ossie Davis
• I Am Ossie Davis, by Ossie Davis
• Ossie Davis: A Biography, by Nelson George

Conclusion

Ossie Davis was a legendary actor, writer, and civil rights activist. He was a powerful advocate for equality and justice, and his work had a profound impact on the African American experience. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

"The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.” — Ossie Davis

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