Cicely Tyson, an award-winning icon of the stage and screen that broke Black actresses’ barriers with surpassing dignity, died Thursday, January 28, 2021. Tyson was 96.

CICELY-TYSON 2021 (2)Cicely Tyson, an award-winning icon of the stage and screen that broke Black actresses’ barriers with surpassing dignity, died Thursday, January 28, 2021. Tyson was 96.

Former President Barack Obama wrote online that “Tyson took pride in knowing that whenever her face was on camera, she would be playing a character who was a human being flawed but resilient; perfect not despite but because of their imperfections.”  

Tyson stated in 2016, her most significant accomplishment happened when Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom. Obama said that day, “In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only exceeded as an actor, but she has also shaped the course of history.”

CICELY-TYSON 2016 WH (2)Former President Barack Obama wrote online that “Tyson took pride in knowing that whenever her face was on camera, she would be playing a character who was a human being flawed but resilient; perfect not despite but because of their imperfections.” Tyson stated in 2016, her most significant accomplishment happened when Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom. Obama said that day, “In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only exceeded as an actor, but she has also shaped the course of history.”

Tyson chronicled her lengthy career in her first memoir, “Just As I Am,” which was just released Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Cicely-Tyson-and-Just-As-I-Am-Book-Cover-Split-H-2021 (2)Tyson chronicled her lengthy career in her first memoir, “Just As I Am,” which was just released Tuesday, January 26, 2021.