Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis

Actor

Ossie Davis was an influential actor, director, and civil rights activist known for his powerful contributions to theater and film.

Art Secret Struggle Children Change Forever
Born
December 18, 1917
Died
February 4, 2005
Quotes
12
Rank
#5027

About Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis — Life and Legacy

Ossie Davis was a prominent actor, director, and civil rights advocate whose work transcended the boundaries of performance and activism. He is best known for his roles in films like 'Do the Right Thing' and his collaboration with his wife, Ruby Dee, in various artistic and social justice endeavors. Davis's core philosophy revolved around justice and humanity, as reflected in his powerful quotes. For instance, he stated, 'We are not a color, we are a people,' which underscores his belief in the unity of the human experience beyond racial distinctions. This perspective was shaped by his own experiences navigating a racially divided America, where he consistently challenged societal norms and advocated for equality. His words resonate today, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity. Davis's legacy continues to inspire those who seek to confront injustice and uplift marginalized voices, making his insights profoundly relevant in contemporary discussions about race and identity.

Quote collection

Ossie Davis quotes

12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

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"Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change. It can not only move us, it makes us move."

Change Art Moving
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"I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness."

Joy Black Secret
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"We can't float through life. We can't be incidental or accidental. We must fix our gaze on a guiding star as soon as one comes upon the horizon and once we have attached ourselves to that star we must keep our eyes on it and our hands upon the plow. It is the consistency of the pursuit of the highest possible vision that you can find in front of you that gives you the constancy, that gives you the encouragement, that gives you the way to understand where you are and why it's important for you to do what you can do."

Encouragement Stars Eye
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"It is necessary to stay on the march, to be on the journey, to work for peace wherever we are at all times, because the liberty we cherish, which we would share with the world, demands eternal vigilance."

Freedom Journey Liberty
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"It was a lifetime occupation that kept us too busy to stop and ask if we were happy or not"

Occupation Busy Lifetime
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"Here - at this final hour, Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its brightest hopes - extinguished now, and gone from us forever.... Many will ask what Harlem finds to honor in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain - and we will smile. ...We will answer and say unto them, ‘Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever really listen to him? ...For if you did you would know him. And if you knew him you would know why we must honor him.'"

Brother Farewell Forever
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"There is no secret to a long marriage - it's hard work...It's serious business, and certainly not for cowards."

Hard Work Long Secret
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"If we can reach in wih the art and touch the imagination of the child, no matter who, we have affected that child."

Art Children Imagination
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"One of the things I appreciate more was how important struggle was as the instrument that helped to keep us knit together."

Struggle Appreciate Important
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"College ain't so much where you been as how you talk when you get back."

College Get Back
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