Remembering Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a true great and a fantastic lady. She passed away last week at the age of 91.

There were so many great performances. She played Rachel Robinson, another beautiful woman inside and out, in the Jackie Robinson Story.

Her performance in “A Raisin in the Sun” with Sidney Poitier, remains one of the greatest ever.

Ruby Dee and her late husband Ossie Davis were really out there at their own risk, in fighting for civil rights. Each was an articulate visionary in what is an ongoing struggle.

I met Ms. Dee twice, first briefly with her husband Mr. Davis at a service for defense attorney William Kuntsler. I cherish the memory of the three of us holding lit candles in tribute and for hope.

About 16 years later, I had a great talk with Ms. Dee at a tribute to Sidney Poitier. She reminisced about great days with Sidney, and their two families which remained close.

During a phone interview months later, with her great voice she said my full name in wrapping up our conversation. It made me feel great, not easy in this angst ridden world.

As once Ossie Davis said “Hi neighbor” to me, now he and his wife and my parents are “neighbors” in a better place.

Think of the obstacles toward being “neighbors” as addressed in “Raisin in the Sun” and even now, years later. Try to finally embrace that people are people, some good, some bad and others great, such as the case with Ruby Dee.