2025 was difficult. We lost many of the Black legends who shaped our culture. Now, as we move through 2026, those losses continue. The names keep coming—actors, athletes, musicians, activists, scientists. Each one left an indelible mark. Though they’re gone, their contributions endure.
From entertainment to sports, from politics to the arts, Black legends we lost in 2026 shaped generations. This is our attempt to honor them. These are the people we’re remembering.
Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan
Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan, eldest daughter of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and the late Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, died at 72. The Nation of Islam confirmed her passing, though the cause remains undisclosed.
For decades, she served the Nation with quiet determination. Her work in agriculture became legendary. In 2016, she received the organization’s first Farmer of the Year award for her farming efforts in Michigan and her commitment to encouraging young people to pursue agricultural careers. She also held significant leadership roles in Muslim Girls Training, shaping the next generation of Muslim women.
Cassandra Wilson
Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson passed away peacefully in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, surrounded by family and close friends.
Wilson’s voice was unmistakable. Over 19 studio albums, she wove together folkloric traditions, R&B, diasporic music, and experimental sounds into something wholly her own. She recorded with The Roots, Wynton Marsalis, and Elvis Costello. In 2001, Time magazine called her “America’s Best Singer.”
Jon Batiste posted a tribute that captured her essence: “She had an unmistakable vocal tone, phrasing and her approach of weaving folkloric, R&B and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres had a major impact on me. She sounded like the South. Her Mississippi heritage was always present in everything no matter how expansive her artistry evolved.”
She was 70.
Carla Jeffery
Actress Carla Jeffery, known for her work on Disney Channel productions including “ZOMBIES,” died at 33. Her management announced her passing on Instagram.
“For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room,” her team wrote. “Carla was more than a client; she was family.”
Jeffery built a career introducing young audiences to entertaining television. Her work on the Disney Channel became familiar to generations of viewers.
Samuel Monroe Jr.
Actor Samuel Monroe Jr. died on August 26 from complications related to meningitis and MRSA pneumonia. Best known for his role in the 1993 film “Menace II Society,” Monroe appeared in “Tales from the Hood” and “The Players Club,” among other projects.
His mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed the news on Facebook: “I want to thank all of my facebook family and friends new and old for praying for Samuel Monroe, Jr., my son. But today God called him home. Please honor my final request to pray for the family especially his 3 children.”
He was 52.
Michael Wright
Michael Wright, best known for “The Five Heartbeats,” died on August 19 in Los Angeles at 70. Heart failure, combined with complications from Marchiafava-Bignami—a rare neurological disease affecting the brain—led to his death.
The New York native appeared in over 50 movies and television shows. He starred opposite Wesley Snipes in “Sugar Hill” (1994) and with Chris Tucker in “Money Talks” (1997). But his most memorable role was Eddie King Jr. in “The Five Heartbeats,” a film that made history.
His co-star Leon paid tribute on Instagram: “We made History together, we were honored together, you made your mark and for that you will be remembered, my friend. Michael Wright RIP.”
He leaves behind his wife, Susan, a daughter, and stepchildren.
O.J. Brigance
Baltimore Ravens icon O.J. Brigance died after a long battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He was 56.
Brigance started his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 1996 but found his true home in Baltimore. He helped secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2001, executing the game’s opening tackle. He remains the only athlete in football history to win both a CFL Grey Cup and an NFL Super Bowl title for the same city.
Off the field, Brigance’s philanthropy became his defining legacy. After his 2007 ALS diagnosis, he and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation to equip, encourage, and empower individuals living with the disease. His work transformed the lives of countless patients and families.
Butch Huskey
Former New York Mets slugger Butch Huskey died at 54. His seven-year MLB career included time with the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins. His best season came in 1997, when he hit 24 home runs and drove in 81 runs.
Huskey became one of the last players allowed to wear No. 42 after MLB retired it league-wide in Jackie Robinson’s honor. That distinction placed him in rare company and linked him to one of baseball’s greatest legacies.
Hal Williams
“Sanford and Son” star Hal Williams died in his California home on July 15. No official cause of death was disclosed. Williams appeared in “Private Benjamin,” “The Waltons,” and “227,” starring opposite Marla Gibbs. He was 91 and is survived by three children.
Victor Willis
Victor Willis, the lead voice of the Village People and the man behind “Y.M.C.A.,” died June 30 at 74 after a short, aggressive illness. His vocals powered the disco era’s biggest anthems: “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.” The Village People became more than a band. They became an institution of camp, celebration, and pure cultural impact.
Born in Texas and raised in the church, Willis first found his voice in gospel before moving to Broadway. That background shaped his performance style—bold, theatrical, magnetic. His work with the Village People turned the group into a global spectacle of costumes and choreography.
Willis rejoined the group in 2017 and continued performing. Last year, “Y.M.C.A.” became a theme song for President Donald Trump’s political rallies and 2025 inauguration, reigniting cultural conversation around the song’s legacy and meaning.
He died one day before his 75th birthday.
Tay Keith
GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith died on June 18. Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, Keith rose to fame producing tracks for Travis Scott, Drake, and Sexyy Red. He was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a wellness check. No foul play is suspected, though autopsy results were pending.
His family released a statement: “Tay Keith was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force who helped define the sound of a generation. From Memphis to the global stage, his work shaped countless hit records and left a lasting impact on music and culture.”
He was 29.
Talay Riley
Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter Talay Riley died at 35 after a fatal stabbing in east London. Real name Mark Orabiyi, Riley was pronounced dead despite paramedics’ efforts. Police said a second man was injured. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder, though two were released and another was released on bail pending further inquiry.
Riley was one of Britain’s most accomplished songwriters. He earned a Grammy for his work with H.E.R. and wrote songs for pop and R&B stars including Britney Spears, Usher, and Khalid. His contributions shaped the sound of contemporary music.
Tributes came from across the music industry, remembering him for his talent, generosity, and impact. He is survived by a legacy that extended far beyond the studio.
Stacey King
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, died at 59 on June 7. No cause of death was disclosed. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft, King helped the Bulls win championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan. He played eight NBA seasons with five teams.
King became as recognizable as an analyst as he was a player. His energetic broadcasting style and signature catchphrases made him a beloved figure among Chicago sports fans. He spent nearly two decades as the Bulls’ television analyst before his passing.
Peabo Bryson
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer whose voice helped define some of Disney’s most beloved songs, died on June 2 at 75. He suffered a stroke days before, surrounded by family.
Over five decades, Bryson was known for ballads and duets that touched millions. “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle became Grammy-winning classics. His solo hits “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain” showcased his emotional range and technical mastery.
He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two children.
Ronald LaPread
Ronald LaPread, co-founder and longtime bassist of The Commodores, died at 75. His daughter, Soraya LaPread, shared the news online. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“We were the best daddy daughter duo. If you know me you know my Dad. I am devastated. A piece of me is gone from this world,” she wrote.
From 1970 to 1986, LaPread shaped the band’s signature sound. His bass lines anchored hits including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and the Grammy-winning “Nightshift.” Former bandmate Lionel Richie and The Commodores paid tribute to him. After leaving the group, LaPread settled in Auckland, New Zealand, where he spent decades.
Foster Sylvers
R&B singer Foster Sylvers died on May 30 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His brother Leon confirmed the news.
The Memphis native rose to fame singing with his siblings. The Sylvers were often compared to The Jacksons, hitting big in the 1970s with “Boogie Fever” and “Hot Line.” In 1973, at just 11 years old, Foster released a solo album featuring the single “Misdemeanor,” which would later be sampled by West Coast rapper The D.O.C. on his 1989 hit “It’s Funky Enough.”
He was 64.
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus” and one of jazz’s greatest improvisers, died May 25 at his New York home at 95.
Over six decades, Rollins shaped bebop and hard bop through landmark recordings: “Saxophone Colossus,” “Way Out West,” and “The Bridge.” He performed with Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane. His improvisations set the standard for the instrument. He earned Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts before retiring in 2012 due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Clarence B. Jones
Clarence B. Jones, the longtime adviser and speechwriter to Martin Luther King Jr., died May 22 in Cupertino, California, at 95.
Jones helped craft the “I Have a Dream” speech and played a central role in the civil rights movement as King’s lawyer, strategist, and confidant. He smuggled King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from the jail cell and contributed to major legal battles, including New York Times v. Sullivan. After King’s assassination, Jones became the first Black allied member of the New York Stock Exchange and later taught at Stanford and the University of San Francisco. In 2024, President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rob Base
Rob Base died May 22 after a cancer battle. Born Robert Ginyard in New York City, Base performed with DJ E-Z Rock on late-1980s hits including “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.”
His family shared a tribute on Instagram: “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
He was 59.
Sherman Lewis
Sherman Lewis, the legendary NFL assistant coach and former college football star, died May 15 at 83. A former All-American running back at Michigan State, Lewis finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1963 before playing professionally with the New York Jets and in the CFL.
As an NFL coach, Lewis won four Super Bowls—three with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Green Bay Packers. He served as offensive coordinator for multiple teams and was widely credited for his leadership, innovation, and mentoring throughout the league.
Clarence Carter
Southern soul singer Clarence Carter died May 13 inside his Decatur, Georgia home. He was 90.
Rodney Hall, president of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, paid tribute: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Clarence Carter. Clarence recorded many of his greatest hits at FAME Studios alongside Rick Hall and remained part of the FAME family for more than four decades. He was far more than an artist to us. He was family.”
Born in Alabama, Carter became a self-taught guitarist after receiving the instrument for Christmas. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s for his suggestive lyrics and groovy production. Hits like “Patches” and “Strokin'” became soul staples, driven by Carter’s distinctive voice and creative vision.
Charlie Neal
Legendary sports broadcaster for historically Black universities and colleges (HBCUs) Charlie Neal died May 13 following an illness. He was one of the leading architects of modern HBCU sports, championing their excellence and historical significance.
HBCU Go CEO Curtis Symonds told HBCU Legends, “Charlie was underrated for his impact on sports. I consider him the ‘John Madden’ of Black College Sports. He was a historian. He lived it and gave you history like no one else could. Our BET broadcast was real because he told the real story.”
Neal called games for BET for 24 years before moving to ESPNU, MEAC Digital Network, and HBCU GO.
Jason Collins
Former NBA center Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay NBA player, died following complications from a brain tumor, specifically glioblastoma.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family wrote. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received.”
Collins came out publicly in 2013, making history within the sports world and opening doors for future generations of LGBTQ athletes.
Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke, a longtime Memphis Grizzlies player, died on May 11 at 29. The Grizzlies and Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his death. An official cause has not been released.
Injuries limited his playing time in recent years, including knee and calf issues that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season. Despite those setbacks, teammates and coaches praised his leadership and positive presence in the locker room and throughout Memphis.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Afrika Bambaataa
Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa died on April 9 following complications with cancer. He was 67.
As founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Bambaataa shaped the early identity of hip-hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and fun. His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world. Through music, leadership, and influence, he contributed to hip-hop’s core principles, inspiring generations of MCs, DJs, breakers, and cultural leaders.
The Hip-Hop Alliance acknowledged his complex legacy: “At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community. As an organization committed to truth, accountability, and the preservation of Hip Hop culture, we believe it is important to hold space for all voices while continuing to uplift what empowers and protects the people.”
Kiki Shepard
Actress, dancer, and model Kiki Shepard died on March 16 after suffering a heart attack. She was 74.
Best known as co-host of “Showtime at The Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, Shepard appeared in television series including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” and “NYPD Blue.” Her presence on stage and screen defined an era of Black entertainment.
Oliver “Power” Grant
Oliver “Power” Grant, the businessman behind the Wu-Tang Clan, died on February 23. Grant was critical in helping the Staten Island rap collective secure funding and studio time during the production of their first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” He launched the group’s WuWear clothing line in the mid-1990s.
Method Man posted a tribute: “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! 💔💔🤬 #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok.”
He was 53.
LaMonte McLemore
Singer LaMonte McLemore died on February 3 at his Las Vegas home after suffering a stroke.
The St. Louis native was one of the founding members of The 5th Dimension, who won Record of the Year Grammy Awards for their 1967 single “Up, Up and Away” and the 1969 mash-up “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” songs from the Broadway musical “Hair.”
Beyond music, McLemore was a talented photographer whose work frequently appeared in magazines. He was 90.
Billy “Bass” Nelson
Billy “Bass” Nelson, founding bass player for Parliament-Funkadelic, died on January 31. The New Jersey native met George Clinton as a teenager, joining what would become one of the most influential bands in funk and rock history.
Nelson helped take the band in a new direction in the late 1960s, infusing funk and rock into their sound and trading their suits for bolder fashion choices. After leaving in the late 1970s, he played with Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson.
He was 75.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson died on January 30 in his California home due to complications from cancer. Best known for his role on the 1970s NBC sitcom “Sanford & Son,” Wilson played Lamont Sanford opposite Redd Foxx’s character.
Mark Goldman, Wilson’s spokesperson, called him “a devoted father, actor, author, and minister. Demond lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. Through his work on screen, his writing, and his ministry, he sought to uplift others and leave a meaningful impact on the communities he served.”
Sly Dunbar
Reggae musician Lowell “Sly” Dunbar died on January 26 at his home in Kingston, Jamaica. His daughter, Natasha, confirmed the news.
One half of Sly & Robbie, Dunbar’s drumming appears on tracks for reggae legends like Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, as well as Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones. His rhythmic foundation shaped decades of music.
His family shared a statement: “Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music for generations. His extraordinary talent, innovation, and lasting contributions will never be forgotten. Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world.”
He was 73. The cause of his death is unknown.
Dr. Gladys West
Dr. Gladys West, a mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS technology, died on January 17 at 95.
West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she calculated precise models of Earth’s shape—calculations that became the basis for GPS systems we use today. She was the second Black woman hired at the base and the fourth Black person overall. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. In 2021, she received the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award, the Prince Philip Medal from the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy’s Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award.
A social media post from her official page stated that West passed away “peacefully alongside her family and friends and is now in heaven with her loved ones.” The cause of death is unknown.
John Forté
Recording artist John Forté died on January 12 at his Massachusetts home at age 50. Best known for his work with The Fugees, including as co-writer and producer on their classic, Grammy-winning album “The Score,” Forté shaped hip-hop’s sound during one of its most creative periods.
Claudette Colvin
Civil rights activist Claudette Colvin died on January 13 in Texas at 86. On March 2, 1955, a then-15-year-old Colvin refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman on a segregated Montgomery, Alabama bus—nine months before Rosa Parks made her similar stand. That act of courage helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
In 2021, an Alabama judge expunged Colvin’s juvenile court records, recognizing “what has since been recognized as a courageous act on her behalf and on behalf of a community of affected people.”
T.K. Carter
Actor T.K. Carter was found dead in his California home on January 9 at age 69. The New York City native got his start in standup, becoming best known for his roles in the 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and the 1982 horror film “The Thing.”
Elle Simone Scott
Chef, author, and food stylist Elle Simone Scott died on January 5 at 49 after a battle with ovarian cancer. In 2016, Scott became the first Black woman to join the cast of “America’s Test Kitchen,” breaking barriers in food media.
Chef Carla Hall shared a touching tribute: “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media. She was a friend, a force and a trailblazer.”
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