How Cicely Tyson will be remembered

Words by Sarah Logan
Cover photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Cicely Tyson, a Harlem native and iconic actress passed at the age of 96 on Thursday, Jan. 28. The groundbreaking actress was known for her activism during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. She appeared in the notable films and television dramas, “Sounder” (1972), “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974), and “The Help” (2011).

Her memoir “Just as I Am,” was released just two days before her death and received rave reviews from its readers. “This book is Ms. Tyson’s abundant treasure to each of us: her life, in her words, just as she is,” wrote Viola Davis, a fellow actress. Former President Barack Obama shared some words of his own during the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. “In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only succeeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history,” Obama said.

“Just as I Am” captures the actress’s life from the very beginning, living in the South Bronx and East Manhattan as the daughter to the two young Caribbean immigrants, William and Fredericka Tyson. She grew up as a quiet girl with a love for performance and singing. An avid churchgoer, she was often singing at church in front of an entranced crowd.

Her acting career took root when she was recognized by a stranger in a department store. The stranger suggested that Tyson try modeling school. From there, she was offered a movie role from her agent as Dottie in “Carib Gold,” a 1956 film directed by Harold Young.

Since then, her acting career sprouted as she won roles in feature films like “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” in 1968, and the television miniseries “Roots” in 1977. Her well-known role in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” won her two Emmy Awards.

Abyssinian Baptist Church is holding a viewing for Tyson on February 15th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in honor of the late actress.

André Leon Talley, an Abyssinian Baptist Church member, has written a tribute to Cicely Tyson which can be found on the church’s website. “Exactly one week before her death, she said with great clarity, she wished to be remembered by these words. ‘I done my best,’” Talley wrote. “Cicely Tyson was better than best. She was the Best. She shall endure through the ages,” he concluded.

Tyson will live on in the memories of her admirers and fellow Harlem natives.