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.

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

Dr. Bessie Nelson, beloved mother of gospel singers Jonathan and Jason Nelson, has passed away. The family asks for prayers and privacy during this time.

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.

Tito Jackson, musician and member of the legendary Jackson family, reportedly passed away on Sept. 15 at the age of 70.

Wallace "Wally" Amos, the founder of the iconic "Famous Amos" cookie brand, passed away on August 13 in Honolulu.

The world of Black Hollywood has lost a legend with the recent death of longtime actor Bill Cobbs at the age of 90.

Legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr. shared the heartbreaking news that his son, DeAndre, took his own life on June 22.

Angela Bofill, best known for hits such as "I Try," "Too Tough" and more, reportedly passed away on June 13 at the age of 70.

Christian singer Mandisa died at her Nashville home on Thursday, K-LOVE reports. She was 47. At this time, her cause of death is unknown. Want gospel news at your fingertips? Text “BMORE” To 52140 to join our text club! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITaeONSK7ng&t=6s The Grammy winner was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and American Idol contestant. […]

Twin of Andrae Crouch, Sandra won a Grammy Award in 1984 for “Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female” for the 1983 album, “We Sing Praises,” and was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 for the song, Completely Yes from the 1985 album, “We’re Waiting.” During the late 1960s through the early 1970s, she played the tambourine […]