ruby dee – living legend
Actress For most, if not all of their professional and personal lives, actors Ruby Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis represented the literary and social consciousness of Black America. The couple who performing on stage and screen together as well as separately, always insisted on being cast in strong, positive roles. In addition to their acting careers, these two remarkable individuals also authored several books. Dee has two children’s books to her credit and in 1998, she and Davis marked their 50th wedding anniversary with the publication of their joint autobiography, “With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together.” Many of the activist/stage couple’s works were carried by a then relatively new publisher, Haki Madhubuti, whom they became acquainted with in the late 1960s. Madhubuti would later establish Third World Press. The vocal Dee, was one of the many notables at Third World’s 40th anniversary gala, extolling the praises of Madhubuti and his publishing house. Their meeting 40 years ago forged a relationship that continues to nurture both mind and spirit, since the enterprise opened in 1967. “Haki is like one of my younger brothers. That he has done such marvelous things in his life establishing this publishing company-Third World Press-came at a time when there were very few outlets.” says Dee. Always the consummate performer, Dee has slowed down a bit – given her age – but her drive, not only to perform, but to consistently produce excellent work, remains unwavering. “I’ve seen extraordinary changes by extraordinary people, in terms of films and writing,” said Dee. “So much has changed for African Americans and I feel very good about that.” – tony binns |
