Obituaries

Here's a list of 21 of the most devastating deaths of notable Black people that rocked an entire diaspora in 2021.

While known by many for his in-depth coverage and connection to hip hop, Tate was a quintessential culture critic engaging Black art and life in an unapologetic exploration of creativity. Scrolling through Tate's work at the Village Voice readers will find everything from profiles of Daughter of the Dusk Director Julie Dash to reviews of Terry McMillan's "A Day Late" and Spike Lee's "Bamboozled." 

Malikah Shabazz, Malcolm X's youngest daughter, was found dead in her Brooklyn apartment after her daughter made the discovery, according to law enforcement officials. She was 56-years-old.

Actor and comedian Anthony "A.J." Johnson has reportedly died at the age of 56. A GoFundMe online crowdfunding effort has begun to help pay for his funeral and support his family.

Michael K. Williams, the veteran actor who rose to fame playing the role of Omar Little, a hitman for hire in the award-winning drama, "The Wire," has reportedly died at the age of 54.

Gregg Leakes, a former real estate investor and longtime veteran of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality TV show has died at the age of 66 following a years-long battle with colon cancer.

Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, a co-founder of Kool & the Gang and saxophonist for the legendary R&B group, has died at the age of 70.

Glen Ford, a veteran broadcast and print journalist who hosted the first nationally syndicated Black news interview program on TV before going on to found the Black Agenda Report, has died at 71.

F. Lee Bailey, a lawyer who died June 3 decades after helping acquit O.J. Simpson, may be the only white person in history to publicly say the N-word and receive a widespread pass from Black people for uttering the hateful, racist slur.

Tributes and condolences were pouring in after learning of the untimely death of "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler, the legendary boxer who died on March 13 at the age of 66.

Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Helen Jones Woods