Category: Obituaries

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” says Pat Houston, the daughter-in-law of Cissy Houston. “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…

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Amos’ acting career spanned over five decades, with his most iconic role being that of James Evans Sr., the no-nonsense, hard-working father on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–1979). The show, which was the first sitcom to center on an African American family, became a cultural touchstone, and Amos’ portrayal of…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Frankie Beverly, the iconic frontman of the soul, R&B, and funk band Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a devastating post on social media. “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the longest-serving members of the Texas delegation, has died at the age of 74. In June, Jackson Lee announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, yet she showed little indication of letting it interfere with her plans to run for…

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Rev. Murray also sparked and inspired something much closer to home. He inspired me, but he directly mobilized my brother and friend Rev. Whitlock to lead his newest church initiative back then – something he boldly called FAME Renaissance. Just some of the results of FAME Renaissance and Dr. Murray’s most trusted…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In a wave of condolences, political leaders and public figures expressed their grief and admiration for the late Rosalynn Carter, former first lady to Jimmy Carter and tireless advocate for various social issues. President Joe Biden, visibly moved, shared his sentiments with reporters as he boarded…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ‘n Roll’ whose legend grew after she overcame a bitter divorce to musician Ike Turner that was filled with violence, has died at the age of 83. The superstar’s family confirmed her death in a statement on Wednesday, May 24,…

Addy Bink Updated: APR 27, 2023 / 11:16 AM CDT (NEXSTAR) — Jerry Springer, the legendary talk show host and former mayor and news anchor, has died, according to a statement from his family shared with multiple outlets. He was 79. Springer passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago Thursday, a spokesperson for his family…

By Malik Brown | RollingOut.com ROLLING OUT — A family member said that Spence had a flat tire but allegedly got it fixed as he was coming home to Atlanta from Tennessee. Willie crashed into a semi-truck that was parked on the side of the road. Many people offered their condolences and showed love to…

By Post Staff Jazz saxophonist Farrell ‘Pharoah’ Sanders, a pioneer of ‘spiritual’ jazz who lived in Oakland for a time before gaining renown in New York with John Coane’s band in the 1960s, passed away in Los Angeles on Sept. 24, 2022. He was 81. “We are devastated to share that Pharoah Sanders has passed…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Coolio, whose signature song “Gangsta’s Paradise” played a vital role in securing hip-hop as the popular music of choice, has died at age 59. The artist reportedly died on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house. While paramedics suspect Coolio succumbed to cardiac arrest, the medical…

By Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D. THE BURTON WIRE — Powell rose to fame in the 1990s with his smooth and melodic vocals. Powell’s song, “You,’ introduced the singer’s distinct voice and demonstrated Powell’s four-octave vocal range. An indication of Powell’s popularity and vocal prowess is indicated by “You” being streamed 13 million times on Spotify….

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Actress Anne Heche has succumbed to injuries she suffered from a horrific car accident, her representatives confirmed to the celebrity website TMZ. The representative told the website that life support machines are keeping Heche’s heart beating so her loved ones can preserve her organs for donation….

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Russell, who won 11 NBA titles as a player and two as a player-coach, died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, a statement on social media said: “…Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two…

  SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Barry Lymond Martin the youngest son of the late Samuel Martin Sr. and Willie Mae Martin passed away on May 14th after a short illness. Barry was born in San Bernardino and was well known by residents in the Westside community.   Barry was the youngest child of four children.  His siblings…

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Texas state Sen. Roland Gutierrez told CNN on Tuesday evening, following a briefing from the Texas Rangers, that the shooter bought at least two assault rifles shortly after his 18th birthday. “He had no problem accessing those weapons,” Gutierrez said during the interview. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent…

‘The Measure of a Man’ By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Legendary actor Sidney Poitier, who broke barriers and stood for justice and Black lives during the most tumultuous times of the civil rights movement, has died. Poitier, whose iconic 71-year career, included starring roles in “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Guess…

By Genoa Barrow | Sacramento OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer After the coronavirus cut a swath through the African American community in 2020, we continued to experience a great deal of loss this year. From honored celebrities whose careers we’ve followed for decades to everyday folks who were largely unknown until they left this world, we…

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others,” former U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement. “A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere. He…

Dr. Margaret Hill, current member and past president of the Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, passed away Sunday, December 19.  She was 81 years old.  Dr. Hill was a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated educational leader, having served on the Board of Education faithfully since she was…

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Lee Elder, a golfing pioneer, and the first Black player to compete in the Masters has died at 87. “It’s remarkable to look back on Lee’s life and career and realize the hardships he endured and the sacrifices he made to reach golf’s highest level,” said…

The news was announced in a statement on social media by LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off-White. Abloh was named the menswear artistic director for Louis Vuitton in 2018, making him the first African-American designer at the European label since it was founded in 1854. The news was also posted to Abloh’s personal Instagram account, where…

Claudia “Micki” Asynthe Wright-Hall was born in Boston, Mass. to William Authur Wright and Pauline Elizabeth Edmunds-Bishop. She passed away Peacefully at the age of 80.   While Claudia as a young adult (18) was completing nursing school in Hawaii she volunteered for the Airforce Civil Air Patrol Cadet “Search & Recovery” Division. This is where…