Close

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 […]

Ron Kenoly, the powerhouse gospel singer and worship leader whose vibrant anthems like “Ancient of Days” and “Jesus Is Alive” became Sunday morning staples for Black churches and congregations worldwide, died Feb. 3. He was 81. His death was confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, who described Kenoly not as an entertainer, but […]

Legendary musician LaMonte McLemore, co-founder of The 5th Dimension, dies at 90 after a life filled with artistic achievements and cultural impact.

Claudette Colvin was known for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus nine months before Rosa Parks. 

Legendary dancer Carmen de Lavallade, who broke barriers and inspired generations, has passed away at 94.

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

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.

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

Viola “Mother” Ford Fletcher, one of the last living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died in Tulsa at the age of 111.

Former Colts Defensive Tackle Arthur Jones Passes Away at 39 Arthur Jones, a former NFL defensive tackle and Super Bowl champion, has passed away at the age of 39. The Baltimore Ravens, where Jones began his career, confirmed the news in a statement on Friday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Jones was […]

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 […]

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 […]