CONGRESSMAN MAJOR OWENS'
STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF OSSIE DAVIS
The Man with a Plan for Truth, Freedom and Justice

Four months ago I had what was to be my last face-to-face meeting with Ossie Davis. It occurred at Brooklyn College's 'Rally for the Restoration of Democracy in Haiti.' Ossie, always outspoken and never afraid of any consequences, denounced the murder of democracy in Haiti by the Bush administration.

Ossie Davis was known to the world as the "Man with a Plan." He urged the African American leadership to unite behind a blueprint for liberation, progress and prosperity.

He was always available to support a just cause. While he remained a superstar he never lost touch with political activists, and never removed himself from the issues of the working poor. He never hesitated to use his star power/voice in support of the very people without a voice.

I first met Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee at civil right rallies in the sixties. When I first ran for Congress in 1982 he responded to my call for help. He not only hosted a fundraiser for me, he also joined in campaigning for the little known underdog candidate running for seat formerly held by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.

Later, he jumped right into our "All Night Teach-In" held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College to protest the devastating budget cuts to education and social programs.
Ossie Davis's life, his achievements, his passion and commitment will long endure to inspire millions in the future.