Life Lit by Some Large Vision: Selected Speeches and WritingsAtria Books, 2006 M09 26 - 253 pages Ossie Davis, the celebrated civil rights activist, actor, writer, and director, is remembered for a film, television, and stage career of more than half a century. His awards include an Emmy Award, an NAACP Image Award for his work in the Spike Lee film "Do the Right Thing, " a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild, and a Kennedy Center Honor. The last two honors, like so many of his accomplishments, were shared with his wife and partner (in life and in work), Ruby Dee.Ossie Davis is also revered for his lifelong commitment to those social and political causes about which he was so passionate. Of all the gifts he possessed, perhaps none was greater than his ability to articulate the important issues of the day. He used his brilliant mind and his oratory skills to give voice to his concerns as a black man, an American, and a human being in the world, as well as to the individuals and communities whose concerns he made his own. This monumental book brings together many of the moving speeches, essays, and other writings as an ultimate gift to posterity."Life Lit by Some Large Vision" includes some humor, some history, and some surprises: moving tributes to such luminaries as Malcolm X and Louis Armstrong; thought-provoking speeches on the treachery of the English language and the challenge of breaking through the "niggerization" process; letters to friends and fellow thinkers; essays that span decades of social thought and revolutionary positions; and the closing monologue from his groundbreaking 1961 play, "Purlie Victorious."The unforgettable sound of Ossie Davis's voice is well documented in his work on film and television, but the words on these pages offer his heart and mind, and will be the next best thing to witnessing him speak in person. Ruby Dee contributes a foreword to the collection and introductory notes to the individual pieces, many of which were written and delivered with her at his side. The result is a comprehensive celebration of one man's extraordinary wisdom and generosity. This is a book that will enrich countless readers -- as a gift, an educational resource, a volume to be read aloud on special occasions, and much more. |
Contents
Address at the Palm Garden 1952 | 3 |
The English Language Is My Enemy 1966 | 9 |
On the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr 1968 | 19 |
Copyright | |
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actor African African-Americans Alain LeRoy Locke American artist believe Betty black folks Bois Broadway brothers called campus CHARLIE cities civil cotton culture death dream drums economic face fact feel fight film Flanders fields freedom GITLOW Godfrey Godfrey Cambridge happened Harlem hero honor hope Howard Law Howard University Irish Jews John kill knew labor land laughing law and order leaders Left live look Lorraine Malcolm Malcolm X Marian Anderson Martin Luther King matter means million nation never night OLD CAPTAIN Ossie Davis ourselves play problem protest Purlie Victorious racism responsibility Robeson Ruby Ruby Dee sing slavery slaves society South stand Stepin Fetchit Sterling story talking Tedee boom theatre things thought tion tonight truth trying understand W.E.B. Du Bois Walter white folks words write