Courtney B. Vance, Judith Jamison and Melba Moore were among the guests celebrating the life of activist, author, and film star Ruby Dee on Saturday at the Riverside Church in Morningside, NY. Thousands gathered to pay homage to the legendary star at the public memorial service, whose pioneering work helped pave the way for entertainers to come.
The Reverend Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. led participants in the Call To Worship followed by a heartfelt rendition of “Superwoman” by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys.
The ceremony included a literary tribute, featuring a medley of Dee’s original poetry and prose performed by the celebrated actor’s dear friends Tyne Daly, Kim Fields, S. Epatha Merkerson, Phylicia Rashad, Susan L. Taylor, Elizabeth Van Dyke, Pauletta Washington and Lynn Whitfield. It was followed by a musical tribute by Wynton Marsalis and songs of the civil rights movement by vocalist Peter Yarrow, Bethany Yarrow, and Rufus Cappadocia and a very special performance of “Breaths” by Sweet Honey in the Rock.
The gathering continued with a dance tribute by choreographer Aubrey Lynch, II (former dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and former associate producer of Disney’s The Lion King musical) and dancers Sarita Allen, Renee Robinson, Elizabeth Roxas- Dobrish, and Donna Wood Sanders (former stars of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) along with a delivery of “I Am Somebody”, one of Dee’s favorite poems.
The memorial included some of the biggest names in the entertainment and literary industry as well as Dee’s closest family and friends. Renowned poet Sonia Sanchez read a personal poetic piece in honor of the late actress, while the honorable David N. Dinkins read a heartfelt letter from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Famed producer, Woodie King, Jr. gave remarks on the life and legacy of the beloved entertainer.
Actor Glynn Turman, who played Dee’s son in both “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway and again on TV’s “Peyton Place,” gave a soulful speech in which he recounted the times she always helped him when their paths crossed.
“I feel honored to have known Ruby Dee but I feel so very blessed that she knew me,” he said.
The gathering included an extraordinary family tribute by Ruby Dee relative’s including a performance of “Ruby, My Dear” by Thomas E. Wallace, Jr., Wali Muhammad and Ruby Dee’s grandchildren, along with a performance of “Sentimental Journey”, Hasna Muhammad (daughter), and Guy Davis (son)and “Love Looks Good on You” by Nora Davis Day (daughter).
Legendary actor and activist Harry Belafonte gave the eulogy via videotape and later Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler delivered the benediction.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of “Ella’s Song” by Sweet Honey in the Rock.