Ruby Dee

   Born in Cleveland Ohio on October 27, 1922, she grew to become one of the pioneering women in film, stage, and activism. As she grew and her passion to create grew she found herself becoming a member of the American Negro Theatre in 1941 in Harlem New York. This beautiful safe space for African American talent was also where  Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte studied and grew into the great actors we came to love. We all know her as an actress often appearing alongside her husband Ossie Davis, but she stands on her own as a shero and beacon of light to her people.

   She was the first African American woman to appear in a lead role on prime-time television in the popular show Peyton Place. She also was the first African American woman to star in a role at the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut. You may not know this but she was also a celebrated writer. She wrote scripts, screenplays, and books. She and her husband were awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1995, and a Kennedy honor in 2004  and then In 2005 Ruby Dee received a lifetime achievement award from the National Civil Rights Museum for her efforts in the fight for social justice and change.

   She and her husband lived a beautifully full life of career and family. Together they had 3 children, two daughters and one son whom you may remember from the movie Beat Street as the aspiring DJ named Kenny. This talented woman is proof that you can be beautiful, have a lasting career, and love and family. Thank you Ruby Dee for all you fought for and gave us. She was the epitome of grace, respect, class, and being a true lady. You never hear her name attached to scandal or negativity, but always spoken in reverence and love. We celebrate you this Black History Month and every day.