Presenter
Presented by Ms. Carlisle
Body
Whereas; Ruby Dee the accomplished actress of stage, screen and television, will perform readings from her book "My One Good Nerve" and other excerpts on February 3rd and 4th, 2006. She will also introduce on February 5th, New Horizon Theater at Black History Month Celebration 2006: "Purlie Victorious" written by her late husband Ossie Davis; and
Whereas, Ruby Dee was born Ruby Ann Wallace on October 27, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Harlem. She was the first black woman to appear in major roles at the American Shakespeare Festival, in Stratford, Connecticut; and
Whereas, Ms. Dee has a B.A. from Hunter College and is also a product of The American Negro Theater. She studied acting with Paul Mann, Lloyd Richards and Morris Carnovaky. Ms. Dee has been acclaimed as an author and player in "Zora Is My Name" at the American Playhouse, on Broadway in the Woody King Jr. production; and
Whereas, some of Ms. Dee's favorite roles have been Lutiebelle in Victorious, written by her husband Ossie Davis; Lenn in Athol Fugard's Boseman and Lena, for which she received an Obie; and
Whereas, In 1988, Ruby Dee was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and in 1989, into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame. Whether it's performing in live theater or starring in one of her many film and television roles, Ruby Dee has sought excellence and achieved it.; and
Title
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognize and commend Ruby Dee for her contribution to stage, screen and television, paving the way for other black actors and artists to enter the theatrical field.