"Actor and civil rights activist, Ossie Davis has died. He was found in a hotel room in Miami Beach Friday, where he was making a movie. He was 87 years old. For five decades, Ossie Davis had a distinguished career as an actor, playwright and director. Along with his wife, Ruby Dee, he was a renowned civil rights activist and an unforgettable figure in the African American struggle for equality. He performed in some 80 movies, including six with director Spike Lee. Two months ago, he and Ruby Dee, were honored at the Kennedy Center for their lifelong contributions to theater, television and film, as well as for being models of courage and grace in the long struggle for equality in the United States."
Davis was a staunch supporter of the activities of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism (CCDS). "The progressive community in our country and the movement for peace, against racism, sexism, anti- Semitism and against exploitation and oppression throughout the world has lost a true hero, a person of tremendous talent, selfless dedication and commitment," said the Committee's National Co-Chair Charlene Mitchell. "His life, and that of Ruby, his lifelong companion and fellow-activist, will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come."
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