[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF OSSIE DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Ossie Davis, an American actor, World War II veteran, writer, and civil 
rights activist.
  Raiford Chatman Davis, better known as Ossie Davis was born on 
December 18, 1917 in Cogdell, Georgia as the fifth child of Laura 
Cooper and Kince Davis. The name Ossie derived from a pronunciation of 
his first and middle initials, RC.
  He began studying in 1939 at Howard University, but decided to 
withdraw to pursue his dream of being an actor. He relocated to New 
York City and began acting with the Rose McClendon Players in Harlem. 
He served as a surgical technician for the Army during World War II 
from 1942 to 1945. After returning from the war, he continued to pursue 
his dream of acting and debuted in the 1950 film No Way Out. He was an 
exceptional actor and appeared in many movies, television shows and 
stage plays.
  He married Ruby Ann Wallace, also known as Ruby Dee, in 1948. She was 
also an actress and civil rights activist. Their contribution to the 
civil rights movement was significant and inspiring. They played a key 
role in planning the historical 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and 
Freedom and served as emcees. They were friends of Martin Luther King, 
Jr., Malcolm X, and Rev. Jesse Jackson and worked side by side with 
them to advance the rights of African Americans. Mr. Davis had the 
honor of delivering the eulogy for Martin Luther King, Jr.
  In 2007, their album ``With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together,'' 
won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. Mr. Davis passed away on 
February 4, 2005. His contributions to the performing arts and civil 
rights movement will live on for years to come.

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