Legendary actress takes to Rialto stage in “A Gift of Love’

“Ruby Dee Davis has a gift for landing the perfect role. Her part in the 2007 film, “American Gangster,” where she played the mother of a real-life gangster portrayed by Denzel Washington, was set in Harlem, where she grew up. It was the backdrop for police riots and brutality that shaped the stage and screen actress’ consciousness and made her an activist in the Civil Rights Movement.

Dee Davis’ most recent role is African storyteller, Ya Ya, in the play, “A Gift of Love: The Ultimate Love Story.” It opens Dec. 18 (2013) and runs through Sunday at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The song and dance production is co-hosted by actress Vivica A. Fox and gospel radio personality KD Bowe, and benefits the B-Moe Positive foundation for at-risk children.”

By Adrianne Murchison, For the AJC