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“In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only succeeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history.” –President Barack Obama, 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

“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 a 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.” –Cicely Tyson

Just as I Am: A Memoir by Cicely Tyson

Just as I Am is an inspiring and powerful memoir by the iconic actress Cicely Tyson. In her own words, Tyson recounts her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Harlem to becoming one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. Tyson's story is one of resilience, courage, and grace, and her memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood, the Civil Rights Movement, or the life of a truly remarkable woman.

Tyson begins her memoir by describing her childhood in Harlem, where she was raised by her single mother. She recalls the challenges she faced growing up in poverty, including the racism and discrimination she experienced from a young age. However, Tyson also remembers the love and support she received from her family and community, which helped her to overcome adversity and achieve her dreams.

After graduating from high school, Tyson moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. She quickly found success, and soon began appearing in magazines and advertisements. However, Tyson's ambitions extended beyond modeling, and she eventually decided to try her hand at acting. She made her film debut in 1957, and went on to star in a number of critically acclaimed films and television shows, including The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, and The Help.

In her memoir, Tyson also discusses her personal life, including her marriages to Miles Davis and Joel Schumacher. She also reflects on her activism and her work with the Civil Rights Movement. Tyson was a strong advocate for racial equality, and she used her platform as an actress to speak out against racism and discrimination. She was also a mentor to many young black actors and actresses, and she helped to pave the way for a new generation of black talent in Hollywood.

Just as I Am is a moving and inspiring memoir that celebrates the life of a true icon. Tyson's story is one of triumph over adversity, and her memoir is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and grace.