History: Supporters & Community Influencers

Neither Ruby Dee or Ossie Davis ever appeared in a Karamu stage production but both had significant presence and impact in the organization and in the lives of Karamu artists. They often visited for speaking engagements, to instruct master classes, and to support Karamu's mission. Ossie Davis’ play "Purlie Victorious" was produced multiple times at Karamu in the late 1960s through the 1970s.