Birmingham Public Library Tribute To Sidney Poitier: Trailblazing Black Actor Died Today At Age 94

Press release from Birmingham Public Library:

January 7, 2022

Sidney Poitier, the trailblazing actor who was the first Black person to win a Best Actor Oscar, has died. He was 94.

His death in the Bahamas was confirmed today, January 7, 2022, by the island's Prime Minister, according to NPR. Read about Poitier's legacy here.

As an actor, Poitier transformed the way Black men were portrayed in movies - in part due to his incredible acting skills, smooth good looks and iconic roles that made him a star.

This press release was produced by Birmingham Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.