What was the secret to the seemingly magical marriage of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee? Most of their fans and contemporaries remain awestruck, if not dumbfounded, at how this royal American couple were able to devote themselves to their careers and the Civil Rights Movement, yet maintain their devotion, loyalty and love to one another for many decades.
No one is better qualified to illuminate this unbreakable and much-admired union than a member of their own family.
Ruby Dee’s and Ossie Davis’ grandson, Muta’Ali Muhammad, unlocks the mystery surrounding one of the most celebrated and admired marriages in urban American history when he unveils the documentary Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee, a once-in-a-lifetime intimate look that will take place at the Center for Civil and Human Rights on Sunday, October 26.
Sponsored by Macy’s and taking placed during the 5th annual Bronzelens Film Festival in Atlanta, the product of this acting and filmmaking dynasty breaks the wall between himself and his subject to ask heartfelt questions of his grandmother. “How do you stay faithful? And if I can’t see myself doing that, how can I honestly get married knowing that I could eventually break the heart of the woman I love?”
Muhammad chronicles their remarkable journey as trailblazers in the arts community and activists in the Civil Rights Movement. Muta’Ali also shares exclusive video footage, family photos and memorabilia. In addition, the cremé de la cremé of Hollywood and American culture pay homage to the iconic couple such as Alan Alda, Angela Bassett, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Hill Harper, Samuel Jackson, Spike Lee, S. Epatha Merkerson, Phylicia Rashad, Glynn Turman, Dr. Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez and Malik Yoba share eyewitness accounts of this American legacy.
As part of “Cinema and Social Justice Sunday,” it is only befitting for it to be screened at the recently opened. Center for Civil and Human Rights where exhibitions and galleries connect the Civil Rights Movement with today’s Global Human Rights Movements.
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located at 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA, 30313). Tickets are $10.00. Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee begins at 2:30PM.