Ossie Davis, 87

Ossie Davis was far more than a great actor, although he certainly was that. Together with his wife, the actress Ruby Dee, Davis fought tirelessly to expand the opportunities available to black Americans both on the stage and off. He delivered Malcolm X’s eulogy, served as master of ceremonies for the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, and at the same time earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most accomplished and intellectual stage actors. Davis died this weekend in a Miami hotel.