2025 was difficult. As we move deeper into 2026, the losses continue. The culture has lost titans across music, sports, civil rights, entertainment and beyond. Though they’re gone, their work and impact remain woven into the fabric of who we are.
From legendary performers to groundbreaking athletes, from civil rights pioneers to hidden figures of science, we’re honoring the Black figures we lost in 2026. This is their story.
Cassandra Wilson
Grammy Award-winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and close friends, according to her manager.
Wilson’s voice was unmistakable—a deep, textured instrument that seemed to carry the weight of American music history within it. Across 19 solo studio albums, she recorded alongside some of the era’s most important artists: The Roots, Wynton Marsalis, Elvis Costello. Time magazine called her “America’s Best Singer” in 2001, a title that felt overdue even then.
What set Wilson apart was her refusal to stay contained. She wove together folklore, R&B, and experimental sounds into something wholly her own. Jon Batiste recognized this in a tribute posted to Instagram: “She had an unmistakable vocal tone and phrasing. 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.”
Wilson was 70 years old.
Samuel Monroe Jr.
Actor Samuel Monroe Jr. died on August 26 from complications related to meningitis and MRSA pneumonia. He was best known for “Menace II Society,” the 1993 film that captured a moment in Black cinema when authenticity and artistry intersected with brutal honesty. Monroe appeared in other notable projects including “Tales from the Hood” and “The Players Club.”
His mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed the news through Facebook, asking for prayers for the family and his three children. Monroe was 52.
Michael Wright
Michael Wright, best known for his role in “The Five Heartbeats,” died on August 19 in Los Angeles following heart failure complicated by Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare neurological condition. He was 70.
Wright appeared in over 50 films and television shows. His filmography reads like a tour of 1990s action cinema: “Sugar Hill” alongside Wesley Snipes, “Money Talks” with Chris Tucker. But it was “The Five Heartbeats” that cemented his place in film history. His co-star Leon honored him on Instagram: “We made history together. You made your mark and for that you will be remembered, my friend.”
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 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 56.
Brigance began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 1996 but found his lasting home in Baltimore. He was there for the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2001, executing the opening tackle—a detail that stayed with him and the team forever. He remains the only athlete to win both a CFL Grey Cup and an NFL Super Bowl title for the same city.
Off the field, Brigance’s legacy deepened. After his ALS diagnosis in 2007, he and his wife Chanda founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to support those living with the disease. Philanthropy became his second act, and perhaps his most important one.
Butch Huskey
Former New York Mets slugger Butch Huskey died at 54. Huskey spent most of his seven-year MLB career with the Mets, though he also played for 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.
He holds a particular place in baseball history: he was one of the last players allowed to wear No. 42 after MLB retired it league-wide in Jackie Robinson’s honor. That number mattered. Huskey wore it with the understanding of what it represented.
Hal Williams
“Sanford and Son” star Hal Williams died inside his California home on July 15. The veteran actor was known for roles in “Private Benjamin,” “The Waltons,” and most notably “227,” where he starred opposite Marla Gibbs. He was 91 and is survived by his three children. No official cause has been disclosed.
Victor Willis
Victor Willis, the lead voice of the Village People, died June 30 at 74 after a short illness. For generations, Willis wasn’t just a singer—he was the sound of disco’s boldest, most unapologetic era.
His vocals powered “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy”—songs that turned the Village People into global spectacle. Born in Texas and raised in the church, Willis first found his voice in gospel, then Broadway, where performance became second nature. That path eventually led him to help create a group that blurred the line between satire, celebration and pure pop perfection.
He rejoined the Village People in 2017, continuing to perform the music that defined an era. Most recently, the band faced scrutiny after “Y.M.C.A.” became a theme song for President Donald Trump’s political rallies and 2025 inauguration—a complicated footnote to an otherwise joyful legacy.
Willis died one day before his 75th birthday.
Tay Keith
GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith died on June 18. Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, he rose to prominence working with Travis Scott, Drake, and Sexyy Red. He was 29.
Keith was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a wellness check. Metro Nashville Police said no foul play is suspected, though his death remains unclassified pending autopsy results. His family remembered him as an artist and entrepreneur who shaped the sound of a generation.
“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,” his family told PEOPLE.
Talay Riley
British singer-songwriter Talay Riley died at age 35 after a fatal stabbing in east London. Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was a Grammy-winning songwriter whose work appeared on tracks for Britney Spears, Usher, Khalid and H.E.R.
He was pronounced dead despite paramedics’ efforts. Police arrested three people on suspicion of murder; two were later released without charge and another released on bail pending further investigation.
Known as one of Britain’s most accomplished songwriters, Riley earned a Grammy for his contributions to H.E.R.’s work. His legacy stretched far beyond the studio—tributes poured in from across the music industry, with colleagues and family remembering his talent, generosity and impact.
Stacey King
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who later became one of the franchise’s most recognizable broadcasters, died on June 7 at age 59. No cause was disclosed.
Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma, King helped the Bulls win championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan. He played eight NBA seasons with five teams before transitioning to broadcasting. Known for his energetic commentary and signature catchphrases, King spent nearly two decades as the Bulls’ television analyst and became a beloved figure among Chicago sports fans.
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 age 75. He died surrounded by family after suffering a stroke days earlier.
Over a career spanning five decades, Bryson was known for lush ballads and duets. He recorded “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle—both Grammy-winning Disney classics that soundtracked childhoods. He also scored solo hits like “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
He is survived by his wife Tanya and two children.
Ronald LaPread
Ronald LaPread, co-founder and longtime bassist of The Commodores, died at age 75. His daughter Soraya LaPread shared the news online: “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.”
LaPread helped shape the band’s signature sound from 1970 to 1986, playing on 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. LaPread had lived in Auckland, New Zealand, for decades following his departure from the group.
Foster Sylvers
R&B singer Foster Sylvers passed away on May 30 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The Memphis native rose to fame at a young age singing with his siblings. The Sylvers, often compared to The Jacksons, had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Boogie Fever” and “Hot Line.”
In 1973, at just 11 years old, Foster released a solo album featuring “Misdemeanor.” The song has since been sampled by West Coast rapper The D.O.C. on his 1989 hit “It’s Funky Enough.”
Foster Sylvers was 64 years old.
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, the towering jazz saxophonist known as the “Saxophone Colossus,” died on May 25 at his home in New York. He was 95.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest improvisers in jazz history, Rollins helped shape bebop and hard bop through landmark recordings including “Saxophone Colossus,” “Way Out West” and “The Bridge.” Over six decades, he performed with legends including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. He earned Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts before retiring in 2012 due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Clarence B. Jones
Dr. Clarence B. Jones, the longtime adviser and speechwriter to Martin Luther King Jr. who helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, died on May 22 in Cupertino, California, at age 95.
Jones played a central role in the civil rights movement as King’s lawyer, strategist and confidant. He helped smuggle King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” out of jail 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, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden.
Rob Base
Rob Base passed away on May 22 after a battle with cancer. The rapper, born Robert Ginyard in New York City, performed alongside DJ E-Z Rock. The duo was best known for late-1980s hits like “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.”
His family shared a touching 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.”
Rob Base was 59 years old.
Sherman Lewis
On May 15, Sherman Lewis, the longtime NFL assistant coach and former college football star, died at age 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.
He later became one of the NFL’s most respected offensive assistants, winning four Super Bowls—three with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Green Bay Packers. Lewis served as an offensive coordinator for multiple teams and was widely credited for his leadership, innovation and mentoring.
Clarence Carter
Southern soul singer Clarence Carter died at his Decatur, Georgia, home on May 13. He was 90. Rodney Hall, president of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, calling Carter “far more than an artist to us. He was family.”
Born in Alabama, Carter became a self-taught guitarist after receiving one for Christmas. He entered the music industry determined to stand apart—a blind guitarist with a killer voice singing suggestive lyrics over groovy production. Best known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin,'” Carter rose to prominence in the ’70s and ’80s, and recorded many of his greatest hits at FAME Studios.
Charlie Neal
On May 13, legendary sports broadcaster for historically Black universities and colleges (HBCUs) Charlie Neal died following an illness. Neal was one of the leading architects of modern HBCU sports coverage. His commitment to sharing the excellence and historic relevance of Black athletes for decades helped propel HBCUs into the mainstream sports world.
HBCU GO CEO Curtis Symonds told HBCU Legends, “Charlie was the ‘John Madden’ of Black College Sports. He was a historian. He lived it, and he would give you history and real stories that no other announcer could. Our BET broadcast was so real because he told the real story.”
During his career, 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 died following medical complications from a brain tumor. Collins made history in 2013 as the first NBA player to come out as gay.
“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 exceptional medical care Jason received and for the outpouring of love and prayers.”
Brandon Clarke
The basketball world mourned the loss of Brandon Clarke after the Memphis Grizzlies player died on May 11 at age 29. The Grizzlies and his agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his death. An official cause of death has not been released.
In recent years, injuries limited Clarke’s playing time, including knee and calf issues that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season. Teammates and coaches frequently praised his leadership and positive presence both in the locker room and throughout the Memphis community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies expressed. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Afrika Bambaataa
On April 9, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa died following complications with cancer. He was 67. The Hip-Hop Alliance confirmed his passing through Instagram.
“As the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa helped shape the early identity of Hip Hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun. His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world,” the statement read.
The Alliance continued: “Through his music, leadership, and influence, he contributed to the foundation of Hip Hop’s core principles, inspiring generations of MCs, DJs, breakers, and cultural leaders. His imprint on Hip Hop history is undeniable and will forever remain part of the culture’s origin story. At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community. 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 passed away 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 also appeared in television series including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” and “NYPD Blue.”
Oliver “Power” Grant
Oliver “Power” Grant, the businessman behind the Wu-Tang Clan, passed away 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 also launched the group’s WuWear clothing line in the mid-1990s.
Method Man posted a tribute on Instagram: “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! A piece of hip-hop history has left us. I am not ok.”
Oliver “Power” Grant was 53 years old.
LaMonte McLemore
Singer LaMonte McLemore passed away on February 3 at his Las Vegas home after suffering a stroke. The St. Louis native was one of the founding members of soul group 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.”
In addition to making music, McLemore was also a talented photographer, whose work frequently appeared in magazines.
LaMonte McLemore was 90 years old.
Billy “Bass” Nelson
Billy “Bass” Nelson, the founding bass player for Parliament-Funkadelic, passed away on January 31. The New Jersey native met George Clinton as a teenager, who asked him to be part of the band that played for Clinton’s doo-wop group the Parliaments in the 1950s.
Nelson is credited with helping take the band in a new direction in the late 1960s, infusing funk and rock into their sound and swapping their suits for bolder fashion choices. After leaving in the late 1970s, he played with Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson.
Billy “Bass” Nelson was 75 years old.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson passed away on January 30 in his California home due to cancer complications. Wilson was best known for his role on the 1970s NBC sitcom “Sanford & Son,” playing Lamont Sanford, the son of Redd Foxx’s lovably grouchy character Fred Sanford.
Mark Goldman, a spokesperson for Wilson, called him “a devoted father, actor, author, and minister.” He added, “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 passed away at his Kingston, Jamaica, home on January 26. His daughter Natasha Dunbar confirmed the news to BlkCosmo. One half of the group Sly & Robbie, Dunbar’s drumming is featured on tracks for reggae artists like Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, as well as Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones.
“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,” his family shared.
Dunbar was 73 years old. The cause of his death is unknown.
Dr. Gladys West
Dr. Gladys West, one of the hidden figures and mathematicians who played an integral part in creating the mathematical foundation for today’s GPS system, died on January 17. She was 95.
West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center for years, calculating precise models of Earth’s shape—the basis upon which modern GPS calculations were built. With her hire, she became the second Black woman and fourth Black person overall to work at the base. In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. In 2021, she received a 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.
Her death was made public through a social media post from her official page, which noted 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 passed away on January 12 at his Massachusetts home at age 50. The musician and rapper is best known for his collaborations with The Fugees, including his work as a co-writer and producer of tracks for their classic, Grammy-winning album “The Score.”
Claudette Colvin
Civil rights activist Claudette Colvin passed away on January 13, 2026, in Texas. She was 86. On March 2, 1955, a then-15-year-old Colvin was arrested for refusing a driver’s order to give up her seat for a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama—nine months before Rosa Parks’s similar refusal launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
In 2021, Colvin was vindicated when an Alabama judge expunged her juvenile court records for “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. The New York City native got his start in standup comedy but was best known for his roles in the 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and the 1982 horror film “The Thing.” He was 69 years old.
Elle Simone Scott
Chef, author and food stylist Elle Simone Scott passed away on January 5 at age 49 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Scott made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman to join the cast of the popular PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen.”
Chef Carla Hall shared a touching tribute on Instagram, calling her “a friend, a force and a trailblazer.” Hall wrote, “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.”
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