Legendary activist and actress Ruby Dee, 91, born Ruby Wallace, died Wednesday night in her suburban home at 10:30 p.m.
According to USATODAY, Obama praised the Harlem-raised women saying she, “paved the way for generations of black actors and actresses, and inspired African-American women" across the country. In his written statement, Obama mentioned the roles Ruby took part in “captivated and challenged us.” Such roles include Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun
to Mama Lucas in American Gangster.
Obama also acknowledged Dee’s work as an African American woman activist:
“Through her leadership in the civil rights movement she and her husband, Ossie Davis, helped open new doors of opportunity for all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruby and Ossie’s three children, with their friends and family, and with all those who loved them dearly.”
The president indicated he and his wife Michelle “will never forget seeing her [Ruby Dee] on our first date as Mother Sister in Do the Right Thing.”