[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO OSSIE DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a distinguished 
actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playwright and historian. 
Ossie Davis was an incredible man whose life's work, both on and off 
screen, promoted the advancement of civil rights and humanitarian 
causes.
  Mr. Davis' most important role may well have been as husband. He and 
his wife, also a prominent actor, Ruby Dee, celebrated 50 years of 
marriage together in 1998. Both were among those selected to receive 
Kennedy Center Honors in 2004.
  The pair met during Davis' Broadway debut in the play Jeb Turner. 
Both promoted the cause of blacks in the entertainment industry and are 
well known for their portrayals of characters faced with racial 
injustice.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Dee, for her loss is truly a 
loss for us all.

                          ____________________