Quote by Cicely Tyson: “My reward is that I am still here. That I have survived through it all.”

This quote speaks to the profound value of enduring hardship and remaining present. It suggests that simply having persevered through life's trials is a victory in itself, celebrating resilience and the preciousness of one's continued existence, a testament to strength.

Penned near the end of her extraordinary life, this statement reflects on a career that spanned over seven decades, during which she faced racial and gender discrimination. Her survival and continued presence, as a celebrated artist and activist, was indeed a profound reward for her struggles.

American actress whose career spanned seven decades and who was known for her selective approach to roles and her insistence on portraying Black women with dignity and depth. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 and a Tony Award in 2013 for her performance in The Trip to Bountiful.