Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rest in Power, Brother Sidney Poitier

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Actor Sidney Poitier (SAG-AFTRA), a trailblazer who was one of the first African Americans to win an Academy Award, passed away on Friday at the age of 94. In 1999, Poitier was awarded the SAG Life Achievement Award in recognition of his professional and humanitarian achievements. “Sidney Poitier was a brilliant and dignified actor who broke the ceiling for many actors of color that followed in his footsteps,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “Blessed by a long life, he remains a most respected, admired, accomplished actor by his industry peers.” Drescher expressed her condolences on behalf of the union to Poitier’s family.