Dianne Kirksey

Dianne Kirksey (also known as Dianne Kirksey-Floyd) (1950 – September 1 2020) was an African-American filmmaker, writer, producer, activist, educator, and actress. Her theatrical productions were nominated for a combined 16 Audelco Awards. Kirksey received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama State Militia in 1985 for her leadership and service to the state.

Early life and education Dianne Kirksey was born in Eutaw, Alabama, United States, to Wiley Kirksey, a former school superintendent in Greene County, Alabama and Gladys Kirksey, an educator. Kirksey was active in several local plays and productions as a child.

As a student leader during the Civil Rights Movement, she led marches and protests through Greene County in support of the Voters' Rights Act. She graduated Carver High School in 1967.

Kirksey matriculated at the University of Alabama in the fall of 1967. As a freshman, she was the first Black student named "Bama Belle" and first Black member of the homecoming court. She was a founding member of the UA African American Association (renamed the Black Student Union), the first Black woman to be an officer of the Associated Women's Students organization, and led the Institutional Racism Workshop at the UA International Women's Conference. She graduated with a double major in Theater and English in 1973.

Since her graduation, she has been honored by the university for contributions to racial and gender equality, and listed as one of the most important black alumni by AL.com. In 2018, she was one of twenty Female Trailblazers celebrated at the UA 1893 Jubilee Dinner celebrating 125 years of women admitted to the University.

Kirksey studied at the New York University Intensive Filmmaking Program under Thierry Pathe.

Career She taught third and fifth grades at PS 334 from 2006 - 2019.

In 2017, she released two short films, Sweet Dreams, Momma and Bama's Black Babies Are Dying, and was developing a series of TV and film projects.

Her notable acting roles include portraying Cheryl in Ron Milner's Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms opposite Chadwick Boseman, produced by Woodie King, Jr. Kirksey also earned roles in film and television, including The Doctors, One Life to Live, Rich Kids (directed by Robert M. Young), and The Marva Collins Story, which starred Morgan Freeman and Cicely Tyson.

Kirksey also served two terms on New York City's Community Board 8 on the Education Committee.

Death

Kirksey died in New York on September 1, 2020.

Film and television Production Role Year Sweet Dreams, Momma‡ Producer, Director, Writer 2017 Bama's Black Babies Are Dying† Producer, Director 2017 Rain Without Thunder Mother 1992 Soiree de Deux Director, Writer 1987 The Doctors Bobbie DuVall 1980-81, 33 episodes The Marva Collins Story Cynthia Rawls 1981 Rich Kids Ralph's Secretary 1979 Watch Your Mouth Doris 1978

† Pre-production ‡ Post-production

Theatre Actress Play Theater Year Power Play Billie Holiday Theater 2005 Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms New Federal Theater 2002 The World of Ben Caldwell New Federal Theater 1982 Games New Federal Theater 1982 The Incarnation of Reverend Goode Blacque Dress New Federal Theater 1982 So Nice They Named It Twice New York Shakespeare Festival 1977 What the Winesellers Buy New York Shakespeare Festival 1975

Director Play Theater Year Why Old Ladies Cry at Weddings Frank Silvera Writers Workshop 1994 Island Memories Ubu Repertory Theater 1991 In a Dry and Thirsty Land Riverside Church Theater 1986 The Trial of Adam Clayton Powell New Federal Theater 1983

Awards

Trailblazer, University of Alabama 1893 Jubilee Dinner, 2018 Finalist, New York Television Festival Pitch Competition, 2017 Honoree, Blackboard Awards, 2011 Opening Doors, University of Alabama, 2003 Fellow, Korea Institute, 2002 Fellow, China Institute, 2001 Invitee, Cannes Film Festival, 1987 Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Alabama State Militia, 1985