Obituaries

Viola “Mother” Ford Fletcher, one of the last living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died in Tulsa at the age of 111.

Jimmy Cliff’s international breakthrough came in 1972 after starring and recording the soundtrack for the cult classic film “The Harder They Come.” 

Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, a Black revolutionary who preached armed resistance, dies at 82.

Activist, revolutionary, Black Panther Party leader and member of the Black Liberation Army (BLA), Assata Olugbala Shakur, has died at age 78, according to her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, meaning the ancestors have gained a fierce warrior in the fight against white supremacy. Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron on July 16, 1947, in the Flushing neighborhood of […]

Esaw Snipes-Garner became a community activist after her husband, Eric Garner, was killed in an act of police violence.

Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel died Monday at 94. He leaves behind a legacy of working to change the lives of Black people in America.

We are sad to report that Jerry “The Iceman” Butler, the original lead singer of The Impressions who went on to a successful career as a solo artist and in politics, passed away at age 85. Butler’s assistant and “niece at heart,” Marty, exclusively confirmed the news to TMZ, saying he passed away from natural […]

Kultida Woods, mother of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, has died at the age of 80, according to Tiger himself. He announced the news via a statement on his X account. Tiger described his mother as “biggest fan” and “greatest supporter” in his heartfelt message about Kultida’s passing: “My Mom was a force of nature all […]

Notable People Who Have Passed Away in 2025 UPDATED: January 4th 2025 3:00PM The year 2025 brings reflection as the world continues to lose remarkable individuals who influence and inspire through their talents, vision, and dedication. These figures leave a lasting impact across the arts, sciences, business, public service, and more, shaping lives and communities […]

As we’ve come to understand with every passing, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life – even for the icons that seem invincible. Despite acknowledging this unfortunate reality of life, it truly never gets any easier. In remembrance of those we have lost this year, here’s a tribute to the country music stars we […]

While death is inevitably a part of life, that truth doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to those who have died in our Black culture.

Nikki Giovanni, the legendary poet, author and activist whose career spanned nearly 60 years, has died. She was 81.