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.
Sha'Vi Lewis, a Clark Atlanta alum who competed in Bravo's fashion-competition series "Project Runway," passed away on Feb. 24.
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 […]
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 […]
The last 12 months marked the heartbreaking losses of so many iconic and transcendent Black figures in entertainment, business, sports, activism and beyond.
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.
Tyka Nelson, the younger sister of late music icon Prince and a musician in her own right, passed away Monday at the age of 64.
Beloved comedian and radio personality Wanda Smith has reportedly passed away at 58 years old. The news was revealed this evening—just one day after her October 11th birthday. The Miami native was well known for her on-air career, co-hosting the Atlanta radio show Frank and Wanda in the Morning. She hosted the morning show from […]
Cissy Houston, GRAMMY-winning soul/gospel singer and mother to pop icon Whitney Houston, passed away Oct. 7 at the age of 91.
