Dedication to culture

Ossie Davis delivered the eulogy at Malcolm X's funeral and worked side-by-side with Martin Luther King Jr. in his crusade against racial prejudice. \nHe broke new ground in Hollywood for African Americans by starring in and writing numerous films and Broadway shows.\nHe actively participated in the fight for freedom during the Civil Rights movement.\nFriday he will be coming to IU, along with his wife and collaborator, Ruby Dee, for the dedication and opening ceremony of the new Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and Theatre and Drama Center. \nDavis, a notable film writer, actor, producer, director and civil rights activist, has made an influential mark on Hollywood. He has participated in events we commonly read about when highlighting bold-faced words in a history textbook.\nMany critics cite Davis as one of the most notable figures in African-American theater and culture alike. His resume includes recent roles in many of Spike Lee's movies, including "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X," where he played himself delivering the eulogy at the leader's funeral. But these recent roles are only the icing on rich cake of a five-decade career in Hollywood and on Broadway. For his work in film, Davis, along with Dee, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2000.\nDavis has also appeared in the Broadway productions "A Raisin in the Sun" (1961), "No Way Out" (1950) and "I'm Not Rappaport" (1996).\nGloria Gibson, associate vice chancellor for muliticultural affairs, has been anticipating the arrival of Davis and Dee as keynote speakers in the dedication ceremony of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. \n"It is a real privilege for the two of them to participate in activities with students, faculty and staff," Gibson said. "Both Davis and Dee are well-renowned actors and political activists, so in coming to celebrate the opening of the building, they effectively bridge the areas of theater and African-American cultural arts as well as aspects of political activism."\nIn Hollywood, Davis' experiences pan much farther from the camera lens and stage scripts and into the era of the Civil Rights movement. Davis' visit is especially timely since the dedication of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center occurs within days of the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy -- Davis eulogized King at his funeral and played a role in the 1963 March on Washington. \n"It's quite an honor to have (them) here at a time when we are celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King," said Bill Elliott, assistant director of the office of university ceremonies. "(They) are living legends, not just in the entertainment industry, but in the formation of the social and political history of America in the last five decades."\nIt was 56 years ago when Davis made his Broadway debut with "Jeb," and since then he has undoubtedly established himself as an instrumental role model for African Americans hoping to pursue theatrical careers. Since the new center blends both African-American culture and theater, it is especially remarkable that Davis will join IU in the dedication ceremony of this facility. \nDavis and Dee will also be conducting an acting workshop, instilling their expertise in acting to approximately a dozen IU students on a personal basis.\nBecause this new state-of-the-art facility will house many African-American theater groups along with other events that celebrate diverse cultures, it will help assist IU in its mission to excel in the arts while enriching the community. \n"Ossie Davis (and Dee) are icons in black theater," said junior Marshawn Wolley, president of the black student union. "They represent the dignity and class of black thespians and also carry with them the weight of prestige and honor to which all black artisans aspire to achieve"