This is such sad news. We have lost a wonderful icon of African American culture.
The entire HU family is mourning. The school's flag was lowered to half mast. Ossie Davis was a graduate of Howard University and regularly held fundraisers for his Alma Mater. He spoke at the 2004 Charter Day last fall. I am kicking myself for missing it.
http://www.howard.edu/president/05-02-04ossiedavis.htm