WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
RUBY DEE (1922-2014)
Ruby Dee was born in Cleveland, Ohio but graced the stage and screen around the world for over seventy years. Dee was the first African-American to play a leading role in the American Shakespeare Festival and star in a prime time TV show. She was also a known author, co-producing television programs, writing screenplays and several books. She was not only a role model to African American actors but a dedicated activist in the Civil Rights Movement, protesting, marching and speaking out for those whose voices were often silenced. Dee received much recognition for her commitment to social justice including the National Medal of Arts at the Kennedy Center and a lifetime achievement award from the National Civil Rights Museum. Her acting career resulted in multiple awards including an Emmy, a SAG, a National Board of Review, an Obie, a Drama Desk, and an Academy Award nomination.