Obituaries

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day, death is an inevitable part of life—a universal truth that spares no one. Yet, despite its certainty, the weight of loss never becomes easier to bear, nor does the act of processing its impact. For those within Black culture, where community and shared experiences […]

Elder Lawrence Blake, who served on the pastoral staff of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, died last week at 54.

Demond Wilson, the actor who brought Lamont Sanford to life on the iconic 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 79. Wilson passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home in Palm Springs, California, due to complications from cancer, as confirmed by his son, Demond Wilson Jr. Wilson’s portrayal of […]

Gospel legend Richard Smallwood, 8-time Grammy nominee, dies at 77 after kidney failure. Pioneered contemporary gospel sound.

Legendary Memphis soul artist Don Bryant, known for hits like 'I Can't Stand the Rain,' passes away at 83.

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

Black Liberation Party member Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron, has died at the age of 78, according to family members.

Notable People Who Have Passed Away in 2025 UPDATED: April 14th 2025 4:00PM Death is an inevitable part of life, a profound reminder of our shared fragility. The losses of 2025 have been especially heavy, as we’ve said goodbye to remarkable individuals who touched countless lives through their talents and achievements. From trailblazers in art, […]

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

ATL rapper Young Scooter has died as he reportedly fled Atlanta Police in Southeast Atlanta on Mar. 28, his 39th birthday.

DJ Unk has reportedly passed away at 42 years old. Anthony “DJ Unk” Platt first skyrocketed to fame in 2006 with his breakout single “Walk It Out”— the song reached the top 10 on Billboard 100 and the dance quickly became a cultural phenomenon. His follow-up single “2 Step” also made it onto the charts. […]

Six hundred teddy bears, each labeled with a child’s name, were laid across the National Mall, symbolizing the innocent lives lost. After the ceremony...