Conyers Expresses Sympathy Over Ossie Davis's Passing

Washington, DC - Congressman John Conyers honored today his long-time friend and colleague Ossie Davis, who passed away last Friday at the age of 87.

Conyers and Davis, close friends for more than 40 years, worked together on congressional civil rights initiatives and in raising the consciousness of American society. Conyers, Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus and Ranking Minority Member of the House Judiciary Committee, made the following statement:

"Ossie was a legend - on stage, on screen and, most importantly, as a human being. He left his unforgettable mark not only on the world of entertainment as an actor, playwright, director, producer and writer, but also on the world of humanity, as a man deeply devoted to working on behalf of social justice in America.

"Even in the face of the witch hunts of the Red Scare, Ossie boldly fought for civil rights and paved the way for African-Americans in his field, standing with his friends Paul Robeson, W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm X. It was this dedication that led to his being asked to deliver the eulogy at Malcolm X's funeral.

"But his commitment to social justice was second only to his love and devotion to his wife and partner, Ruby Dee. Their marriage of more than 55 years was beautiful and inspiring.

While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I'm proud to have worked with Ossie, and I'm honored to have called him one of my dearest friends. I send my heartfelt love and sympathy to Ruby Dee and to their entire family. Ossie was a magnificent individual, and he will be sorely missed by myself and the world."

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