Ossie Davis: A Talented Actor and Respected Masonic Leader

Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT

Ossie Davis was a legendary actor, playwright, and director who made an indelible mark on American theater and cinema. Born on December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia, Davis grew up in the rural South during a time when segregation was the norm. Despite the challenges he faced, Davis pursued his passion for acting and went on to become one of the most respected and accomplished artists of his time.

In addition to his contributions to the arts, Davis was also a dedicated member of the Freemasons. As a Mason, he was deeply committed to the principles of brotherhood, charity, and morality that the organization espouses. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Ossie Davis, with a particular focus on his involvement in the Freemasons.

Early Life and Career

Ossie Davis was the son of Kince Charles Davis, a railway construction engineer, and Laura Cooper Davis, a schoolteacher. Growing up in Waycross, Georgia, Davis was surrounded by the sights and sounds of the South, including the music and preaching of the local Black churches. It was in these churches that Davis first developed his love for performance, often imitating the fiery sermons he heard from the pulpit.

After graduating from high school, Davis attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied drama and developed his craft as an actor. While at Howard, Davis became involved in the theater scene and worked alongside other future luminaries such as Amiri Baraka and Ruby Dee. After graduation, Davis moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

In New York, Davis quickly made a name for himself in the world of theater. He appeared in a number of productions, including "The World of Sholom Aleichem" and "Jamaica", which earned him a Tony Award nomination. He also wrote and directed a number of plays, including "Purlie Victorious" and "The People of Clarendon County", which tackled issues of race and injustice.

Davis' work in the theater eventually led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in a number of films over the course of his career. He was known for his roles in movies such as "Do the Right Thing" and "The Client", as well as his performances in television shows like "The Defenders" and "Roots: The Next Generations". Davis was also an accomplished writer, penning a number of essays, screenplays, and books over the course of his life.

Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement

Ossie Davis was an important figure in the civil rights movement and worked tirelessly to advance the cause of equality and justice for Black Americans. He used his platform as a respected actor and public figure to advocate for change and to raise awareness about issues of racism and discrimination.

One of the most notable civil rights campaigns that Davis was involved in was the fight for voting rights in the South. In 1964, he and his wife, Ruby Dee, traveled to Mississippi to support the Freedom Summer campaign, which aimed to register Black voters in the state. Davis and Dee worked alongside civil rights leaders such as Fannie Lou Hamer and Bob Moses, helping to organize rallies and voter registration drives.

Davis was also an outspoken critic of segregation and discrimination in all its forms. He used his work in the arts to promote messages of equality and social justice, and he frequently spoke out against racism in his public appearances. In a 1963 speech at the funeral of Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist who was assassinated by a white supremacist, Davis delivered a powerful eulogy in which he called for an end to racial violence and oppression:

"We will not be turned around or intimidated by any man or any thing, for we know that we are masters of our fate. The struggle for freedom is never-ending, and the price of freedom is never cheap. We must be willing to pay that price, and we must be willing to fight until the very end."

Davis also supported other civil rights organizations and causes throughout his life. He was a member of the NAACP and served as a board member for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization founded by Martin Luther King Jr. to promote nonviolent resistance and social change. Davis was a frequent speaker at rallies and demonstrations, using his powerful voice and charismatic presence to inspire others to fight for justice and equality.

In recognition of his contributions to the civil rights movement, Davis was honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. In 1989, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush, and in 1995, he was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Davis' legacy as a civil rights advocate and leader continues to inspire and influence future generations of activists and advocates.

Membership in Freemasonry

In addition to his work in the arts, Ossie Davis was also a dedicated member of the Freemasons. Davis was initiated into the fraternity in 1949, when he joined the Corinthian Lodge No. 18 in New York City. Over the course of his life, he rose through the ranks of the Masons, eventually becoming a Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons in New York.

The Freemasons are a fraternal organization that dates back hundreds of years. The organization is based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and morality, and its members are known for their dedication to community service and philanthropy. The Masons have a rich history and have counted many notable figures among their members, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Winston Churchill.

For Davis, his membership in the Masons was an important part of his life. He saw the organization as a way to connect with other like-minded individuals and to contribute to his community in meaningful ways. As a Mason, Davis was committed to the values of the fraternity, including its emphasis on brotherhood and charitable work.