Statement from the House Floor

By Rep. Cynthia McKinney

I had the honor of knowing Ossie Davis. I met him during my two year hiatus from Congress.  And after learning my story, he joined the thousands of Americans who too were outraged at my treatment by the dominant political personalities of the day and the media. He his wife were committed to my return to Congress, and acted on that commitment.  The Dee Davis family mourns, but all of America mourns too. Ossie Davis is of particular note because he utilized the platform of an arts icon as a part of his struggle against injustice in this country.

Ossie Davis could have led a comfortable life. Ossie Davis could have led a quiet life. But Ossie Davis chose to stand and stand again and doing so invited discomfort and controversy.

I was honored to have had the opportunity to meet him personally. My condolences go out to his family and admirers. and I am pleased to make this statement from the floor of the United States House of Representatives for all of America and for history to know the stalwart, warrior legacy left to us by the late, great Ossie Davis.