Black people have had a significant impact on every aspect of life. From entertainment to sports to politics, to business, we’ve made this world a better place. Sadly, 2024 has seen us lose some of these industries’ most important figures. As we continue to make it through the year, join us in honoring the lives and legacy of those we’ve lost in 2024.
Longtime CBS Sports anchor Greg Gumbel passed away from cancer on Dec. 27. He was 78. Gumbel was a consistent face on the network and made history back in 2001 when he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship during the Super Bowl XXXV.
Per a joint statement from Gumbel’s family and CBS Sports:
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
Added the CEO of CBS Sports David Berson: “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”
Veteran actor Art Evans died on December 21 at the age of 82. While the cause of death was not made public, it was shared that his long battle with diabetes contributed to his passing. During his 40-plus-year career as an actor, Evans appeared in several films, most notably “Fright Night,” “A Soldier’s Story” and “Die Hard 2.”
MLB Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson died on December 20 at 65 after a battle with pneumonia. The speedy outfielder is considered one of the greatest players of all-time as he holds the record for career runs scored, career stolen bases and stolen bases in a season. He was a 10-time All-Star and an AL MVP. While he most known for the time he spent as with the Oakland A’s, Henderson also played for the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Singer Alfa Anderson died on Dec. 17 at 78. No cause of death has been shared. As the lead singer for the 70s disco band Chic, Anderson contributed to several hit songs including, “Dance, Dance, Dance,” “I Want Your Love,” “Good Times” and “Le Freak.”
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr. is regarded as one of the most impactful literary voices in American history. The Fisk University alumna spent her life writing and speaking on thought-provoking topics all the way from racism and love to space travel and mortality. She was the author of 25 books and told her story and countless others through poetry and prose. She died on Dec. 9 following a third cancer diagnosis, according to a statement from friend and author Renée Watson.
Beloved Oakland rapper Saafir died on November 19 at 54 years old. His cause of death was not shared. Born Reggie Gibson, Saafir was a respected Bay Area rap figure who released six studio albums. Due to being close friends with 2Pac, Saafir met Albert and Allen Hughes, who cast him in the 1993 film, “Menace II Society,” where he played Caine’s cousin.
A legendary Philadelphia-born dancer and instruction, Judith Jamison served as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1999 to 2011. She is often attributed as the person behind the theater’s successes in the 21st century and was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999. Jamison died Nov. 9 after a brief illness while surrounded by close friends in New York. She was 81.
A film, television and broadway presence spanning more than a hundred credits across nearly four decades, Tony Todd’s six-foot-five stature and baritone voice saw him consistently cast in imposing and intimidating roles. But Todd became a horror movie icon by playing the title role in 1992's “Candyman” and the film’s three sequels. He died in his Los Angeles home on Nov. 6; a cause of death has not yet been released, according to Deadline.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, it was confirmed that Tyka Nelson—sister to the late music icon Prince—passed away at age 64. The cause of her death is currently unknown.
Charting a music path of her own just like her brother, Nelson released four albums between 1988 and 2011 according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. She was also set to perform at a retirement and farewell concert though an illness ultimately kept her from the stage. The news of her death was first shared by her cousin Charles “Chazz” Smith in a post to social media. It was later confirmed by Nelson’s own son President LenNard Laeil Nelson. The official X/Twitter account for Prince also issued an official statement, writing:
It is with deep sadness and sympathy that we share in the news on the passing of Tyka Nelson. Tyka was a beloved mother and sister. She was also a singer, songwriter and widely known as one of Prince’s siblings. She shared much time with him during his life. They were raised together by their parents Mattie and John L. Nelson. Tyka frequented Paisley Park, attended events, and celebrations to support Prince’s legacy. Tyka travelled around the world to thank fans for loving her brother. She loved them and we’d like to thank them for loving her back. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her sons, President and Sir, as well as her entire family during this time of loss. Rest in Peace Tyka.
Nelson is survived by her sons President and Sir, sisters Sharon and Norrine Nelson, and brother Omarr Baker.
Most recently, Quincy Jones, the brilliant music legend whose genius ranged from working with the likes of Count Basie, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and producing Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,’’ died at 91 on Sunday evening.
Arnold Robinson, his publicist, said he died Sunday evening at his home surrounded by his family in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles.
In a statement, the family wrote “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones went from hanging with gangs on the Southside of Chicago to joining presidents and becoming one of the greatest Hollywood executives of our times.
Actor David Harris died on October 25 after a long battle with cancer. He was 75. While he appeared in several TV shows and films, he was most known for his role in the 1979 film, “The Warriors,” where he played the character of Cochise.
Legendary hip-hop producer and sneaker enthusiast DJ Calrk Kent died on October 24 after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 57. Born Rodolfo Franklin, DJ Clark Kent produced several hits for some of hip-hop and R&B’s best, including Junior Mafia, Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Rakim, and many more. He was also the cousin of Foxy Brown, he would help break through into the music industry. Kent was also known as one of the biggest sneakerheads in hip-hop, owning some of the rarest and most sought-after shoes throughout his career.
Thelma Mothershed Wair, one of the students in the Little Rock Nine, died on October 19 after dealing with complications from multiple sclerosis. She was 83. In 1957, Wair and eight other kids were the first Black students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, despite the governor’s attempt to use the National Guard to block the students from enrolling. Members of the army were sent to escort the students to class on September 25, 1957.
Respected and beloved underground New York rapper Ka died Oct. 12 at 52. His cause of death has not been made public. Born Kaseem Ryan, Ka was also an FDNY fire captain who was a first responder during the 9-11 attacks. His last album, “The Thief Next to Jesus,” was released in August.
Wanda Smith, a popular voice in Atlanta’s radio scene, died Saturday (Oct. 13). Smith was a fixture on V-103, co-hosting “Frank and Wanda in the Morning” with Frank Ski for 14 years until 2012. The comedian also appeared in several of Tyler Perry’s “Madea” films and has writing credits with “Def Comedy Jam.” She gained national headlines for her infamous on-air tussle with Katt Williams in 2018. She passed one day before her 59th birthday; her cause of death is unknown.
Singer Cissy Houston died on October 7th at 91. The two-time Grammy winner had been under hospice care in Houston for Alzheimer’s disease. The gospel singer was the mother of the late Whitney Houston. However, Cissy also had a successful musical career of her own. She was a member of the Sweet Inspirations, who sang backup for several soul singers including Dionne Warwick, Otis Redding, and Lou Rawls.
In a statement, Pat Houston, her daughter-in-law said, “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family. Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the news was revealed that beloved “Good Times” actor John Amos died of natural causes on Aug. 21 at age 84 in Los Angeles.
Per a statement from his son Kelly Christopher to The Hollywood Reporter:
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos’ work include stints on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the aforementioned “Good Times,” “Roots,” and “The West Wing.” He is survived by his son and daughter Shannon.
Actor Ken Page died on September 30 at the age of 70. His cause of death has not been revealed. Page was a veteran actor who was cast in several Broadway productions including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Les Misérables,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Guys and Dolls” and many others. He also was cast in several well-known movies during his successful career, such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and “Dreamgirls.”
NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died on September 30 at 58 years after years of battling brain cancer. In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
During his 18-year NBA career, Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia Sixers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets. He was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time NBA All-Star, and is second all-time in career blocks.
Dancer and choreographer Cat Glover was found dead in her Los Angeles apartment on September 24 at 62 years old. Her cause of death has not been revealed. Born and raised in Chicago, Glover gained prominence for her work with Prince as a dancer during his live performances and music videos.
Former NFL player Mercury Morris died on September 21 at 77. His cause of death was not made public. Mercury Morris was an NFL running back who played in the league for eight seasons. He was known for his time with the Miami Dolphins, where he won two Super Bowls and was a part of the 1972 team that went undefeated and won the big game.
Singer and guitarist Tito Jackson died on September 15 of a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, according to Entertainment Tonight. He was 70 years old. Born Toriana Adaryll Jackson, Tito was one of the original members of the Jackson 5 with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. In the early 2000s, he pursued a solo career as a jazz musician.
In an Instagram post, his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ wrote, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
Singer and songwriter Frankie Beverley died on Sept. 10 at the age of 77. His cause of death has not been shared. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Beverley founded the 70s funk band Maze. He helped create several beloved songs including, “Before I Let Go,” “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.”
Very few actors have had a career as impactful as James Earl Jones. According to Variety, he passed away on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. at the age of 93. His legendary career included unforgettable roles in “Field of Dreams;” Cry, the Beloved Country;” “Conan the Barbarian;” “Coming to America;” and its recent sequel.
Despite his unmatched on-screen presence, he became more famous for his voiceover work as the “Star Wars’” Universe Darth Vader and “The Lion King’s” Mufasa. For many fans, his voice is a significant part of their childhoods.
He also showcased and celebrated Black culture in a lot of his work, making him an essential presence to the community. We use the word legend too liberally sometimes, but there is simply no other way to describe the life, career and leacy of James Earl Jones.
Rapper Rich Homie Quan died Sept. 5 in his Atlanta home. He was 34. No cause of death has been shared. Born Dequantes Lamar, Quan was a well-known Atlanta rapper who had several hits that fans loved, including “Type of Way.”
Hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop died on Aug. 30 after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut. He was 50. Born Isaac Freeman III, Fatman Scoop was known as a radio personality and hype man whose voice was as recognizable as anyone’s in the genre. He was featured on several popular records including Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That,” Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control” and Timbaland’s “Drop.”
The founder of Famous Amos cookies, Wally Amos, died on August 13 from complications with dementia. He was 88. Amos also founded the Cookie Kahuna and Aunt Della’s Cookies. The business owner was also a television personality who hosted the adult reading program “Learn To Read.”
Gail Lumet Buckley, daughter of Lena Horne, died on July 18 at 86 years of age. Her cause of death, according to The New York Times, was heart failure. Buckley was an author and journalist who documented Black life. Her work has appeared in places like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and Vogue.
Rapper Chino XL died on July 28 at 50 years old. His cause of death has not been made public. Born Derek Keith Barbosa, Chino was an MC of African American and Puerto Rican descent who released four studio albums in his career, including “Here to Save You All,” “I Told You So,” “Poison Pen,” and “Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary.” In a statement shared on Instagram, his daughters stated, “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad. And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
Actress Erica Ash died on July 29 after a long battle with Cancer. She was 46. Ash’s close friend Loni Love confirmed her death on Instagram, writing, “Erica was talented and hilarious whether it was the show Survivor’s Remorse or Madtv she would put her all into her work.”
Rapper DJ Polo died on July 27. His cause of death is still unknown. Born Thomas Pough, Polo was a popular MC in the 1980s as a part of the hip-hop collective Juice Crew. He was also one half of the duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo.
Motown singer Duke Fakir died on July 22 at 88 years old. Fakir died “peacefully” of heart failure and was surrounded by family and friends when he passed. Born Abdul Kareem Fakir, Duke was known as the founding member of the legendary quartet the Four Tops. He was the group’s last surviving member.
Sheila Jackson Lee died on July 19 at 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Lee was a veteran Democratic congresswoman from Texas who was not shy about advocating for Black people. Before she served as a representative, Lee was a municipal judge and a city councilwoman in Houston. She passed in Houston surrounded by family.
Former NBA player Joe Bryant died on July 16 at 69 after suffering a stroke. Bryant was known as the father of Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Drafted in the 1975 NBA Draft, Bryant played in the league for eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets.
Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones died on July 14 at 40. While his cause of death was not made public, his family said he died “peacefully” at his New Orleans home, according to a statement from the NFL Players Association. Althought he played four teams in his career, Jones was known for his time with the Baltimore Ravens, where he helped lead them to a Super Bowl championship in 2013.
Khyree Jackson was an NFL rookie who died on July 6 at 24. Jackson was killed in a car crash along with two of his former high school friends. In April, Jackson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He was never able to play a down with the team.
Actor and model Renauld White died at 80 while in hospice care in New York City. His cause of death has not been made public. As an actor, White was most known as a two-year regular on the soap opera “The Guiding Light. In a statement announcing his death, his modeling agency said, “We were so honored to have represented Renauld at Bella Agency New York over the past 10 years. He will be truly missed in the fashion world but not forgotten for all the trailblazing moments he accomplished.”
Renowned actor Bill Cobbs, who spent 50 years gracing film and TV fans with unforgettable performances passed away June 25 at the age of 90. According to TMZ, he died at his home in southern California. He is best known for his work in “The Bodyguard;” “Ghosts of Mississippi;” “That Thing You Do;” “Star Trek: Enterprise;” and “Air Bud.” He had the rare quality of making all his roles, no matter how big or small, feel pivotal to the story. He carried a gravitas that made everything feel more important. His artistry and presence will be missed.
Rapper Enchanting died on June 11 at the age of 26. Born Channing Nicole Larry, Enchanting was taken off life support after she fell unconscious the previous day. Her cause of death has not been shared. She signed with Gucci Mane’s imprint 1017 Records in 2020 and left after releasing her 2022 album, “No Luv.”
Civil Rights leader James Lawson, Jr. died on June 9 at 95. He passed in Los Angeles after suffering a cardiac arrest. For most of his life, Lawson worked as a labor activist, professor, and pastor. He was also a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during the Civil Rights Movement.
NBA Hall of Famer Chet Walker died on June 8 at 84. Nicknamed “The Jet,” Walker was a seven-time All-Star who helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a championship in 1967. During his 13-year career, he played with the Sixers and the Chicago Bulls.
Rapper Brother Marquis died on June 3 at 58. No cause of death has been made public. Marquis, born Mark Ross, was a member of 2 Live Crew, one of hip-hop’s most influential and important groups. The crew played a huge role in allowing MCs to express their right to free speech. Shortly after the release of their third album, “As Nasty As They Wanna Be,” the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled that the album was legally obscene. The appeals court later overturned the ruling, saying that the album had artistic value.
NFL Hall of Famer Larry Allen suddenly died on June 3 at 53 while on vacation with his family in Mexico. His cause of death has not been shared. Allen was one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history who was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times and was a first-team All-Pro six times. Allen was a Cowboys legend who played in Dallas for 12 seasons. His final two seasons in the NFL were spent with the San Francisco 49ers.
Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, died on May 31 at the age of 86. Her cause of death was not shared. In a statement, the Obama family wrote, “Marian Lois Shields Robinson — our mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother — had a way of summing up the truths about life in a word or two, maybe a quick phrase that made everyone around her stop and think. Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality, it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace.”
Drew Gordon died on May 30 in a crash while driving a three-wheeled vehicle in Portland. He was 33. Drew is the older brother of Denver Nuggets star, Aaron Gordon. Although he never quite reached the heights of his brother, Drew was a talented athlete who was a McDonald’s All-American in high school. He played college basketball at UCLA and the University of New Mexico. Gordon only played in the NBA for one year during the 2014-2015 season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Tuesday (May 14), the highly respected Reverend William A. Lawson passed away at the age of 95. Lawson was the founder of Houston’s Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a civil rights leader who started one of the city’s largest congregations after moving to Houston from Kansas City almost 70 years ago. Lawson also hosted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his church at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.
Hall of Fame cornerback Jimmy Johnson died on May 8th at 86. His cause of death has not been revealed. Johnson played in the NFL for 16 seasons and spent every one of them with the San Francisco 49ers. He named to the Pro Bowl and five times and was a first team All-Pro three times. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Beloved hip-hop head, journalist, and internet personality Dallas Penn died on May 1 at 54. His cause of death has not been revealed. Penn was a force in the online hip-hop world, eventually working with Combat Jack on the extremely influential “The Combat Jack Show.” In an Instagram post, his wife said, “Dallas has ascended to the music that was waiting for him. From September 1970 to April 2024, he always said don’t stop, it won’t stop, and he’s waiting for us all at the Funkadelic Stevie Wonder Sean Price party in the sky. Rest my love and see you in our other lifetimes. Love you always, for all time.”
Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. died on April 24th at 65. He was hospitalized in early April after sustaining a heart attack that came from his complications with diabetes. Payne was the son of Donald Payne Sr., who was the first Black person to represent New Jersey in Congress.
Chris King, who was born Christopher Cheeks, was a rapper who died on April 20. King, who was just 32 years old at the time of his passing, suffered from fatal gunshot wounds in Nashville, Tennessee. Keke Palmer paid homage to her late friend by writing on Instagram: “I just want to share that I loved you and I remember all the city walk, grove moments.”
Grammy-winning Christian singer Mandisa, who got her start on “American Idol,” was found deceased in her Nashville home on April 18. She was just 47 years of age. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and a close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time” her representative told The Tennessean.
Hip-hop producer Rico Wade died on April 13 at 52. His cause of death was not shared. Wade was a part of the legendary production trio Organized Noise, which created music with Atlanta rap royalty such as Outkast and Goodie Mob.
O.J. Simpson died April 10 after a lengthy cancer battle. The former NFL star infamously went on trial for the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in the 1990s. He was ultimately acquitted in 1995. After retiring from football, Simpson became an announcer, sportscaster, and pop culture mainstay.
William Strickland died on April 10th at 87. Strickland was a civil rights activist who was close friends with Malcolm X and was a consultant for the iconic docuseries “Eyes on the Prize.” He also taught at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for more than 40 years as a professor in the African American studies department.
Legendary New York City DJ Mister Cee passed away on April 10 at the young age of 57. He died from a diabetes-related coronary artery and kidney disease. Born Calvin LeBrun, he served as the DJ for Big Daddy Kane and his production work with the Notorious B.I.G. helped the late rapper find fame. Mister Cee’s “Throwback at Noon” show on Hot97 is still regarded as one of the most important hip-hop programs of all time. Recently, he was on Audacy’s “94.7 The Block.”
Former NFL player Vontae Davis was found dead on April 1 at the age of 35. He was a longtime cornerback who played in the NFL for nine years on three teams including the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and the Buffalo Bills. He was named to two pro bowls.
Accomplished saxophonist and keyboardist Casey Benjamin died on March 31 at 46. Benjamin was also a producer and songwriter who was a member of the Robert Glasper Experiment. He won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for his work on the 2012 record, “Black Radio.”
Young and talented actor Chance Perdomo died on March 29 at 27 after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Perdomo was an American and British actor who was starting to make a name for himself in the industry after his impressive role on the 2023 TV show, “Gen V.”
Legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. died on March 28 at 87. Gossett was known for becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1982 film, “An Officer and a Gentleman.” During his career, he also starred in other beloved shows and movies such as, “Roots,” “Watchmen,” and “The Color Purple.”
Sandra Crouch died March 17 at the age of 81. The Grammy-winning gospel artist was the sister of the legendary gospel singer Andraé Crouch. In 1984, she won the Grammy for Best Female Soul Gospel Performance for her album, “We Sing Praises.”
Jessica Pettway died on March 11 after a tough battle with stage 3 cervical cancer. She was 36. Pettway was a beloved beauty influencer who had over 153,000 Instagram followers and 229,000 YouTube subscribers.
Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker died Tuesday, March 12, after experiencing complications from a neck surgery. He was 60. Walker was a longtime member of the 1970s funk group The Gap Band. Recently, he had performed with the group Gapx, a funk group that included other former Gap Band members.
Bo$$ died on March 11 at the age of 54. Born Lichelle Marie Laws, Bo$$ was one of the first women to sign to Def Jam as a rapper. In her career, Bo$$ only released one studio album, 1993's “Born Gangsta.” The legendary record label honored the MC in a post on Instagram, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lichelle Marie Laws, also known as Bo$$. Bo$$ will be remembered as a pioneer in hip hop, being one of the first female rappers signed to Def Jam in the early 1990s.”
Civil rights leader Dorie Ladner died on March 11 at 81 after dealing with complications from COVID-19. Ladner was a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the civil rights movement and was a prominent part of many of the most notable marches during the 1960s.
Naomi Ruth Barber King died on March 7. She was 92. King was the sister-in-law of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and an accomplished civil rights activist in her own right. In 2008, she founded the A.D. King Foundation, which was named after her late husband.
Janice Burgess died on March 4, 2024, at 72. Burgess was a TV executive and screenwriter who was best known for creating the popular Nickelodeon television show “The Backyardigans.”
Michael Jones died on February 28, 2024, at the age of 61. Jones was a professional wrestler in the WWF (currently the WWE) who went by the stage name Virgil. He was best known for portraying Ted DiBiase’s bodyguard. In the mid-90s, he joined the WCW and became one of the New World Order with DiBiase.
Robert Reid died on Feb. 19 at 68. Reid was a 13-year NBA veteran, playing for the Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadephia Sixers. He spent 10 of those seasons with the Rockets. He was drafted in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft.
HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent died on Feb. 20 at 39. After getting HIV at the young age of 3, Broadbent was one of the initial children to receive treatment for HIV/AIDs. After living with the disease for more than 30 years, she raised awareness about the virus and we can help people living with it. Although her cause of death is unknown, she suffered a heart attack in September 2023.
Bing Worthington, Snoop Dogg’s younger brother, died on Feb. 14 at 44. Worthington was a music executive, who often worked with his older brother, becoming his tour manager and later working for his company, Dogg Records.
Dylan Kain died from heart disease in Lelystad, the Netherlands on February 7. He was 81. Also known as Kain the Poet, the spoken-word artists founded The Last Poets, a musical group that arose in the 1960s. His music helped set the building blocks for hip-hop, as rap legends such as Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg sampled his vocals.
Henry Fambrough died on Feb. 6 at the age of 85 due to natural causes. Fambrough was the last surviving member of The Spinners, an R&B group that started recording music in 1954. In November 2023, he was present as he saw the legendary group be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Richard Caster died on Feb. 1 at 75 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Caster was an NFL player who played 13 seasons in the league. He played for multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Houston Oilers, and the Washington Redskins. He played wide receiver and was named a the Pro Bowl three times.
Eddie Cheeba died on Feb. 13 at the age of 67 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Cheeba was a DJ who was considered one of the founding fathers of hip-hop. Born Edward Sturgis, Cheeba was part of a DJ trio that included Lovebug Starski and DJ Hollywood. They were incredibly inspirational to many early hip-hop artists in the late 1970s.
Kelvin Kiptum passed on Feb. 11 at the young age of 24. The accomplished runner and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died after being involved in a car accident in Kenya. Kiptum was the current world record holder in the marathon after running a time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Earl Cureton “unexpectedly” died on Feb. 4 at the age of 66. His cause of death is currently unknown. Cureton is a Detroit legend as he was born in the Motor City, went to Detroit Mercy University, and eventually played for the Detroit Pistons. Before his death, he served as a community ambassador for the Pistons. During his NBA career, he also played for the Philadelphia Sixers, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Horneyys, Houston Rockets, and the Toronto Raptors.
Carl Weathers had such a long and varied career he had fans of all ages, races, and genders. Whether it was Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” Chubbs in “Happy Gilmore” or Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” he was recognized around the world. He passed away on Feb. 1 at the age of 76, dying at home in his sleep. In April 2023, he spoke to The Root about joining the “Star Wars” franchise and the fun he was having playing the complicated Greef Karga.
“I’m really appreciative for the opportunity as an actor because it’s so limiting when a character is so one dimensional that there is no growth,” Weathers told The Root. “But here, you have this man who comes from being the king of the bounty hunters guild, to now being a High Magistrate, a benevolent bureaucrat who seems to want to do good for all the citizens of Navarro. I love that kind of stuff. That fullness of character.”
On Tuesday, Tony-winning actor and choreographer Hinton Battle died after a “lengthy illness” Per The Hollywood Reporter, his family and loved ones are choosing not to disclose the exact nature of his illness. He passed away at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was survived by his sisters, Eddie and Lettie Battle, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was 67 years old.
Battle was best known as the originator of the Scarecrow character in the Broadway adaptation of “The Wiz.” He would later go on to win three Tony awards, all for Best Features Actor in a Musical in: “Sophisticated Ladies” (1981), “The Tap Dance Kid (1984)“ and Miss Saigon (1991). His Broadway credits include popular shows like “Dancin’, Dreamgirls,” “Chicago,” and “Ragtime.”
Dexter Scott King died on Jan. 22 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 62. As the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dexter followed in his father’s footsteps and was a civil rights activist. He was also the chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Marlena Shaw died on Jan. 19 at the age of 81. Her daughter announced the legendary jazz singer’s passing in an emotional video on Facebook. Shaw was a mainstay in jazz, R&B, and soul for years and was known for the songs, “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto.”
Reggie Wells died on Jan. 8 at 76. His cause of death has not been shared. Wells was a well-known and accomplished makeup artist who worked with Michelle Obama, Oprah, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and other notable Black figures.
Jerry Wade died in January at the age of 61. Known as “The Loverman,” Wade was a respected disc jockey in Indianapolis who listeners in the Midwest fell in love with over his 40-year career.
Josephine Wright died in January at 94. Her cause of death was not mentioned. Wright was an elderly Black woman who was in the middle of a land dispute with a major investment group over land that’s been a part of her family since the Civil War.
Former NFL player Ronald Powell died in January at the young age of 32. His cause of death was not revealed. Powell was a talented football player who played in the NFL for four years, much of it on practice teams, which included the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and the Seattle Seahawks.
