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After Miss Dee’s passing in June 2014, the New Rochelle community sought a way to honor her memory and acknowledge her five decades of service. 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 month is significant, as Miss Dee would have turned 93 on October 27.
The family remarked in a statment: “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. How fitting that the Ruby Dee Park is adjacent to the Ossie Davis Theater! Together forever.”
Guy Davis, world-famous blues singer and son of Dee & Davis, will sing a tribute and family members will speak at the Saturday program. A reception, hosted by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, will follow in front of the library located at 1 Library Plaza. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside to the Ossie Davis Theater.
