We’re not going to lie, 2025 was a tough year, as we lost many of the Black legends we knew and loved. Now, as 2026 rolls past the halfway mark, we continue to say goodbye to even more of those who had such a tremendous impact on the culture. Although they are gone, they will never be forgotten.
From actors to athletes, to politicians and more, we’re honoring the Black legends we lost in 2026.
Freddie Jackson
Freddie Jackson passed away on Oct. 5 at age 70. The R&B legend earned his reputation through romantic ballads like “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight,” songs that became fixtures on quiet storm playlists since the mid-1980s. While his official cause of death has not been confirmed, Jackson had been diagnosed with kidney disease in 2004.
His family shared the news through his official Instagram account, remembering him as far more than a voice. “Freddie was more than a legendary voice. He was a kind, generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends, and his music with everything he had. For decades, he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most treasured memories. That gift will live on forever,” the statement read.
Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan
Sister Betsy Jean Farrakhan, eldest daughter of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and the late Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, has died at age 72. The Nation of Islam confirmed her passing, though the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
She devoted decades of service to the Nation of Islam, particularly through agriculture and youth education initiatives. In 2016, she received the organization’s first Farmer of the Year honor for her farming work in Michigan and her efforts to encourage young people to pursue agriculture. She also held leadership roles in Muslim Girls Training, leaving a substantial mark on the organization’s educational programs.
Cassandra Wilson
Grammy-winning jazz singer Cassandra Wilson passed away in Jackson, MS, on Sept. 1. Her manager confirmed that the singer-songwriter “transitioned peacefully at home, surrounded by family, close friends, and her manager.” She was 70.
Over a prolific career, Wilson recorded 19 solo studio albums and collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected artists, including The Roots, Wynton Marsalis and Elvis Costello. Time magazine called her “America’s Best Singer” in 2001, and for good reason. Her approach of weaving folkloric, R&B and diasporic music together with experimental and popular genres set her apart.
Jon Batiste paid tribute to Wilson on Instagram, noting her unmistakable vocal tone and phrasing. “She sounded like the South. Her Mississippi heritage was always present in everything no matter how expansive her artistry evolved,” Batiste wrote.
Carla Jeffery
Carla Jeffery, an actress known for her work on Disney Channel productions including “ZOMBIES,” has died at age 33. Her management announced the news on Instagram, reflecting on a career that spanned more than 20 years in television and film.
“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,” read a statement from her team. “Carla was more than a client; she was family.”
Samuel Monroe Jr.
Actor Samuel Monroe Jr. died on Aug. 26 at age 52 due to complications from meningitis and MRSA pneumonia. Monroe was best known for his role in the 1993 film “Menace II Society,” but appeared in other roles on both the big and small screen, including “Tales from the Hood” and “The Players Club.”
His mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed the news on Facebook, asking for prayers for the family. “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,” she wrote.
Michael Wright
Actor Michael Wright, best known for his role in “The Five Heartbeats” (1991), died on Aug. 19 in Los Angeles at age 70. He passed away after suffering heart failure, mixed with complications of a rare brain condition called Marchiafava-Bignami, a neurological disease that damages the part of the brain connecting its two halves.
The New York native starred in over 50 movies and TV shows, including “Sugar Hill” opposite Wesley Snipes in 1994, and “Money Talks” with Chris Tucker three years later. His most memorable role was Eddie King Jr. in “The Five Heartbeats,” a film his co-star Leon said made history.
“We made History together, we were honored together, you made your mark and for that you will be remembered, my friend,” Leon wrote in an Instagram tribute. “Michael Wright RIP.”
He’s survived by his wife, Susan Wright, daughter and stepchildren.
O.J. Brigance
The sports world is in mourning after Baltimore Ravens icon O.J. Brigance died at age 56 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Brigance began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 1996 but found a permanent home in Baltimore after helping secure the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2001. He cemented his place in Ravens history by executing the game’s opening tackle, and 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, the Texas native left an unforgettable mark on philanthropy. Following his ALS diagnosis in 2007, Brigance and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation to “equip, encourage, and empower” individuals living with the disease.
Butch Huskey
Former New York Mets slugger Butch Huskey has died at 54, leaving behind a career remembered for both his power and his connection to Jackie Robinson. Huskey spent most of his seven-year MLB career with the Mets, although it also included stints 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. He also became one of the last players allowed to wear No. 42 after MLB retired it league-wide in Robinson’s honor.
Hal Williams
“Sanford and Son” star Hal Williams died inside his California home on July 15 at age 91. There’s been no word on the official cause of his death. Williams, known for roles in shows like “Private Benjamin,” “The Waltons,” and most notably “227,” starring opposite Marla Gibbs, is survived by his three children.
Victor Willis
Victor Willis, the lead voice of the Village People and the man behind one of the most recognizable hooks in pop history, died June 30 at age 74 after a short, aggressive illness.
For generations, Willis wasn’t just a singer–he was the sound of disco’s boldest era. His vocals powered “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” songs that turned the Village People into a global spectacle of costumes, choreography and pure cultural flash.
Born in Texas and raised in the church, Willis first found his voice in gospel before moving into Broadway, where performance became second nature. That path eventually led him to the Village People, a group that blurred the line between satire, celebration and pop perfection.
He rejoined the group in 2017, continuing to perform the music that defined an era. Most recently, the band faced controversy after “Y.M.C.A.” became a theme song for President Donald Trump’s political rallies and 2025 inauguration. Willis died one day before his 75th birthday.
Tay Keith
GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop producer Tay Keith died on June 18 at age 29. Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, he rose to fame working with industry heavyweights like Travis Scott, Drake, and Sexyy Red.
Keith was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a wellness check on June 18. According to a statement from the Metro Nashville Police Department, no foul play is suspected, but his death will remain unclassified until autopsy results are complete.
“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
Talay Riley, the Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter whose work helped shape hits for artists including Britney Spears, Usher, Khalid and H.E.R., died at age 35 after a fatal stabbing in east London.
According to Deadline, Riley – real name Mark Orabiyi – was pronounced dead despite efforts by paramedics. Police said a second man was injured and an investigation remains ongoing. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder, though two were later released without further action and another was released on bail pending further inquiries.
Known as one of Britain’s most accomplished songwriters, Riley earned a Grammy for his contributions to H.E.R.’s award-winning work and wrote songs for some of pop and R&B’s biggest stars. Tributes poured in from across the music industry, while family members remembered him for his talent, generosity and impact on those around him.
Stacey King
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who later became one of the franchise’s most recognizable broadcasters, has died at age 59. No cause of death was disclosed. King was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma and 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 style 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, has died at age 75. Bryson died on June 2 surrounded by family after suffering a stroke days earlier.
Over a career spanning five decades, he was known for hit ballads and duets, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle, both Grammy-winning Disney classics. Bryson also scored solo hits such as “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 legendary funk and soul group The Commodores, has died at age 75. His daughter, Soraya LaPread, shared news of his death online, though 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.
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 at age 64. 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, Foster released a solo album at the age of 11, which included the single “Misdemeanor.” The song has since been sampled by artists, including West Coast rapper The D.O.C. on his 1989 hit, “It’s Funky Enough.”
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins, the towering jazz saxophonist known as the “Saxophone Colossus,” died May 25 at his home in New York at age 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 a six-decade career, he performed with legends including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Rollins 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. who helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, died May 22 in Cupertino, Calif. at age 95.
Jones played a central role in the civil rights movement as King’s lawyer, strategist and confidant, helping smuggle King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from jail and contributing 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 at age 59. The rapper, born Robert Ginyard in New York City, performed along with DJ E-Z Rock. The duo was best known for their late-1980s hits, including “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.”
His loved ones shared a touching tribute on social media, honoring the contributions he made to hip-hop as well as his dedication to his family. “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,” it read in part.
Sherman Lewis
On May 15, Sherman Lewis, the longtime NFL assistant coach and former college football star, died at age 83 after a career that spanned decades across the sport. 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 and mentoring throughout the league.
Clarence Carter
Southern soul singer Clarence Carter died inside his Decatur, Ga. home on May 13 at age 90. Rodney Hall, the president of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala., confirmed the news to Rolling Stone.
“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,” Hall wrote in the statement.
He was born in Alabama and became a self-taught guitarist after he was gifted the instrument for Christmas. Best known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin,'” Carter entered the music industry determined to set himself apart as a blind guitarist with a killer voice. He rose to prominence in the ’70s and ’80s for his suggestive lyrics and groovy production.
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. 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 underrated for his impact on sports.” He added, “I consider him the ‘John Madden’ of Black College Sports. He was a historian. He was a proven product because he’s lived it, and he would give you history and give you anything that no one else could give you. No other announcer could give it to you like Charlie Neal. Our BET broadcast was so real because he told the real story. He told the real story of the game.”
During his career, Neal called games for BET for 24 years before going to ESPNU, MEAC Digital Network and HBCU GO.
Jason Collins
Former NBA center Jason Collins, who made history as the first NBA player to come out as gay, died following medical complications from a brain tumor.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family wrote in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. “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 from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Collins came out in 2013, making history within the sports world.
Brandon Clarke
The basketball world is mourning the loss of Brandon Clarke after the longtime Memphis Grizzlies player died on May 11 at age 29. The Grizzlies and Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his death in separate statements. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
In recent years, injuries limited his playing time, including knee and calf issues that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season. Despite those setbacks, teammates and coaches frequently praised his leadership and positive presence in the locker room and throughout the Memphis community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies expressed in a statement. “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 during this difficult time.”
Afrika Bambaataa
On April 9, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa was reported dead following complications with cancer at age 67. The Hip-Hop Alliance confirmed the news in a statement posted to 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. 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,” it read.
The statement continued: “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. Today, we extend our condolences to all who were impacted by his life, his work, and his presence.”
Kiki Shepard
Actress, dancer and model Kiki Shepard passed away on March 16 after suffering a heart attack at age 74. Best known as co-host of “Showtime at The Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, Shepard also made appearances 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 Feb. 23 at age 53. 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 to Grant on Instagram, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! 💔💔🤬 #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok.”
LaMonte McLemore
Singer LaMonte McLemore passed away on Feb. 3 at his Las Vegas home after having a stroke at age 90.
The St. Louis native was one of the founding members of the 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 was frequently featured in magazines.
Billy “Bass” Nelson
Billy “Bass” Nelson, the founding bass player for the legendary band Parliament-Funkadelic, passed away on Jan. 31 at age 75. Born William Nelson Jr., the New Jersey native met George Clinton as a teenager, who asked him to be a part of the band that played for his doo-wop singing group the Parliaments in the 1950s. Nelson is credited with helping to 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 the group in the late 1970s, Nelson went on to play with other major music acts, including Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson passed away on Jan. 30 in his California home due to complications related to cancer. Wilson was best known for his role on the hit 1970s NBC sitcom, “Sanford & Son,” playing Lamont Sanford, son of Redd Foxx’s lovably grouchy character, Fred Sanford.
In a statement shared with NBC, Mark Goldman, a spokesperson for Wilson, 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,” he wrote.
Sly Dunbar
Reggae musician Lowell “Sly” Dunbar passed away at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, on Jan. 26 at age 73. Sly’s daughter Natasha Dunbar confirmed the news of her father’s passing 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, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time,” the family shared in a statement. The cause of his death remains 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, has died on Jan. 17 at age 95. West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center for years, where she spent her time calculating precise models of Earth’s shape that formed the basis of what modern GPS calculations were built on. With her hire, she became the second Black woman hired at the base and fourth Black person overall to be there.
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 by 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 detailed 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 Jan. 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 Jan. 13, 2026, in Texas at age 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 led to the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
In 2021, Colvin was vindicated when an Alabama judge expunged Colvin’s 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 Jan. 9 at age 69. The New York City native got his start in standup, but was best known for his roles in the hit 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and the 1982 horror film “The Thing.”
Elle Simone Scott
Chef, author and food stylist Elle Simone Scott passed away on Jan. 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 to Scott on Instagram, calling her “a friend, a force and a trailblazer.” “She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media,” Hall wrote.
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