https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4942899/user-clip-cicely-tyson-rosa-parks-funeral-dc

I grew up under the leadership and presence of Cicely Tyson as a force in movies and theater. Her roles in Sounder (1972) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman (1974) particularly shaped my childhood. More recently I marveled at her role as Ophelia Harkness in How To Get Away With Murder with the stunningly brave Viola Davis.

In particular, I remember Ms. Tyson’s speech at the memorial service for Mrs. Rosa Parks in Washington, D.C. (see 8-minute video clip above). Her faith was on full display and she spoke with a voice that channeled the powerful spirit of the “old folks.”

Read more about Cicely Tyson.