Davis speaks of civil rights struggle

By KEITH WARNER
Collegian Staff Writer

The struggle will continue.

This is what Ossie Davis told the hundreds gathered last night in Eisenhower Auditorium about the civil rights struggle in the United States.

"The struggle is part of America's growing up. It is not finished, not over, not done with," Davis said.

Davis, an actor, director, producer, playwright and civil rights activist, was a personal friend of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. He gave eulogies at both of their funerals.

At 10 a.m. today in the Pavilion Theatre, Davis will return for an open forum with students and faculty.

Last night, Davis spoke about a variety of subjects, often drawing chuckles from the audience. Subjects ranged from his acting career to his recent 50th wedding anniversary to actress Ruby Dee, but the focus of his speech was on his close friend King and the civil rights struggle.

He said he came to speak as a student rather than a teacher. Davis said he believes the horizontal modality of teaching is more valuable than the vertical model, where the intellectual stands at the top and disseminates pellets of information to the students. With this horizontal model, he said questions and answers are shared freely, and both sides come out enlightened.

Davis said he felt lost, helpless and hopeless without King.

"We had to rise from out of misery and say, ‘What does life require?' " he said.

Angie Hunt (sophomore-communications) attended last year's celebration, and said she looked forward to this year's because she enjoys Davis in his TV and movie roles.

"Someday changes will be apparent," she said.

The night opened with a greeting and welcome by Thomas Poole, associate vice provost for educational equity. Following his remarks, Essence of Joy and United Soul Ensemble choirs sang songs that inspired the audience to clap and celebrate King's legacy.

Immediately following the singing, drummers broke into a heart-pounding beat, which set the stage for a dance routine by NOMMO Performing Arts Company. Men and women danced and screamed onstage, further energizing the audience.

Penn State President Graham Spanier introduced Davis, the keynote speaker. Spanier called for a "reaffirmation and rededication to increased understanding and respect for our people."

He proceeded to list Davis' acting résumé, which includes parts in movies such as "Grumpy Old Men," "The Client," and Spike Lee's "Get on the Bus," as well as many TV appearances and feature roles. Davis was met by a standing ovation as he stepped up to the podium.

• Honoring the past