Obituaries
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.
D'Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer.
Dr. Hazel Dukes, a prominent figure in New York State politics and former NAACP national president, died at the age of 92 over the weekend. Numerous poilitical figures paid homage to her lengthy career of service.
Sha'Vi Lewis, a Clark Atlanta alum who competed in Bravo's fashion-competition series "Project Runway," passed away on Feb. 24.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint studied the tendrils of systemic racism and Black self-sufficiency along with serving as a consultant to hit TV shows.
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers' success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
We are sad to report that legendary singer/songwriter Roberta Flack has reportedly passed away at the age of 88. An official statement from her publicist, Elaine Schock, reads, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She […]
Gwen McCrae, who scored a #1 R&B hit in 1975 with "Rockin' Chair," has reportedly passed away at the age of 81.
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 […]
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. […]
Abraham "Mr. CIAA" Mitchell, an HBCU sports legend who attended the CIAA basketball tournament for decades wearing suits with teams' colors, reportedly died.
Britt Allcroft, Creator of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Passes Away at 81 Britt Allcroft, the visionary creator of the beloved children’s series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, has passed away at the age of 81. A statement from her family announced her passing and requested privacy as they mourn her loss. Allcroft, originally […]
