Remembering Cicely Tyson: Celebrating the Legacy of a Trailblazer and Her Final Words of Wisdom

​Just As I Am
by Cicely Tyson, ​with Michelle Burford

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On January 28, 2021, the world mourned the loss of the legendary Cicely Tyson, a trailblazing actress whose profound impact on both stage and screen left an indelible mark on history. Tributes poured in from all corners, celebrating her extraordinary talent and the wisdom she imparted through her work and words.

Cicely Tyson's legacy was honored by President Barack Obama during the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, where he stated, "In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only succeeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history." This accolade reflects the immense influence Tyson wielded, not just as an artist, but as a beacon of change and empowerment.

Tyson's memoir, "Just As I Am," offers a poignant glimpse into her life, revealing both the public persona and the private woman behind the acclaim. In her own words, she shared, "Just As I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. In these pages, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades. Yet I am also the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and mother, a sister, and a friend. I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams. I am a woman who has hurt as immeasurably as I have loved, a child of God divinely guided by His hand. And here in my ninth decade, I am a woman who, at long last, has something meaningful to say."
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Through her remarkable career and heartfelt reflections, Cicely Tyson continues to inspire and remind us of the power of authenticity and resilience. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact one individual can have, not just in the realm of entertainment, but in the broader tapestry of human experience. As we honor her memory, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever resonate.