Ossie Davis, the esteemed actor, director, and civil rights activist, passed away at the age of 87 on February 4, 2005. Throughout his career, Davis successfully blended entertainment with advocacy; he used his platform to promote civil rights, social justice, and the power of education. Beginning his acting career on Broadway in 1946, Davis left a lasting legacy on the stage, television, and big screen. Spanning multiple decades, his performances illuminated and inspired audiences in such works as "The Jackie Robinson Story", "Do The Right Thing", and "Grumpy Old Men". He was also the recipient of an Emmy award for his work on "I'll Fly Away" in 1993. An advocate for racial and educational equality, Davis co-founded the Negro Ensemble Company, served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and lectured across the nation on social and political issues. As seminal figure in entertainment and civil rights, Davis will be remembered for his passionate work advocating for close to 8 decades.