Soul! Season 1 Episode 15 S1 E15 - Ruby Dee/Ossie Davis

Soul! was a groundbreaking television show that premiered in 1967 and ran until 1973. It was the first program of its kind, featuring African American artists, musicians, poets, and activists, and it helped to showcase their talents and voices to a wider audience.

Season 1, Episode 15, titled "Ruby Dee/Ossie Davis," is a powerful and emotional episode that highlights two of the most influential figures in African American history. Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis were not only talented actors and artists, but they were also dedicated civil rights activists who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.

The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to the two legends, who were married for over 50 years and worked together on numerous projects throughout their careers. We see clips of their most famous roles, including Dee's portrayal of Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun and Davis' work in Do the Right Thing and The Cotton Club.

But the episode is about much more than just their acting careers. We also hear from both Dee and Davis as they discuss their activism and their commitment to social justice. Dee, who was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr., talks about her involvement in the civil rights movement and the importance of using her fame and platform to advocate for change.

Davis, who was a powerful speaker and writer, discusses his own experiences with racism and discrimination and the impact that it had on him. He also recites several of his own poems, which are a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience.

Throughout the episode, we see clips from some of their most influential speeches and performances, including Dee's powerful reading of "A Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes and Davis' moving eulogy for Malcolm X.

The episode also features interviews with several of their close friends and colleagues, who share their own memories of the couple and the impact that they had on the world. We hear from actors like Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier, as well as activists like Angela Davis and Stokely Carmichael.

One of the most moving moments of the episode comes when Dee and Davis are reunited onscreen for the first time in years. The two share their own memories and reflections on their lives and careers, and it is a powerful reminder of the love, commitment, and legacy that they left behind.

Soul! S1 E15 - Ruby Dee/Ossie Davis is a powerful and important episode that pays tribute to two of the most influential figures in African American history. It is a reminder of their talent, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to justice and equality. The episode is a must-see for anyone who is interested in American history, civil rights, or the power of art and activism to effect real change.