Cicely Tyson (1924-2021) was an award-winning actress whose career spanned across decades on television, film, and the stage. After deciding to pursue acting at the age of 18, Tyson’s deeply religious mother evicted her from their home because she believed her choice was sinful. Despite this initial setback, she soon found work as the first Black star on the TV series “East Side/West Side”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tyson’s career was marked by careful consideration of the roles that she chose to play. Many of the roles available to Black actors and actresses in the ‘50s and ‘60s were marked by racist tropes and exploitation. However desperately she needed work, Tyson refused to accept a role unless it had substance and purpose, and this strategy proved successful to her career and legacy. Some of her most notable roles were in “Sounder”, “Roots”, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”, and “The Help”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tyson’s work was recognized with numerous accolades, including three...