Ruby Dee Park Naming Ceremony Set for Oct. 10

A ceremony is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, to officially name Ruby Dee Park at Library Green in honor of the legendary actress, activist and longtime New Rochelle resident who passed away on June 11, 2014.

The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be attended by members of the Dee-Davis family, and city and county officials. The public is invited and welcomed to attend. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside to the adjacent Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library.

“We are pleased and honored that the life and contributions of our beloved mother-grandmother-sister-aunt Ruby will be inscribed in the historical memory of New Rochelle—among the neighbors and friends she loved for more than 51 years,” said Dee’s family in a statement. “How fitting that the Ruby Dee Park is adjacent to the Ossie Davis Theater! Together forever.”

From a press release announcing Saturday’s event:

When legendary actor and activist Ruby Dee passed away on June 11, 2014 at the age of 91, the New Rochelle community was deeply saddened and sought a way to honor her memory and acknowledge her contributions to the City. Miss Dee and her late husband, Ossie Davis, were committed to the New Rochelle community where they resided for over 50 years raising their three children, Nora, Hasna and Guy.

The Ruby Dee Commemorative Committee, chaired by Councilman Jared Rice, was convened and recommended that the park adjacent to the Library be renamed the Ruby Dee Park at the Library Green. The park, owned by Westchester County, received unanimous approval for renaming by the Board of Legislators in October 2014. The unveiling of the sign this coming weekend is significant, as Miss Dee would have turned 93 on October 27.

Members of the Ruby Dee Commemorative Committee included Dr. Hasna Muhammad, daughter of the late actress, her husband Wali Muhammad, Linda Tarrant-Reid, Michelle Sanchez-Boyce, Alvin Clayton, Rev. Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr, Kathy Gilwit, and City Historian Barbara Davis.

Guy Davis, world-famous blues singer and son of Dee & Davis, will sing a tribute and family members will speak at the Saturday program, along with local and county officials. A reception, hosted by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, will follow in front of the Library located at 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY.