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 glitterand garland set aside. In thesepages, I am indeed Cicely, the actresswho has been blessed to grace thestage and screen for six decades. YetI am also the church girl who oncerarely spoke a word. I am the teenagerwho sought solace in the versesof the old hymn for which this bookis named. I am a daughter and amother, a sister and a friend. I am anobserver of human nature and thedreamer of audacious dreams. I ama woman who has hurt as immeasurablyas I have loved, a child of Goddivinely guided by his hand. Andhere in my ninth decade, I am awoman who, at long last, has somethingmeaningful to say.Cicely Tyson