Category: Obituaries

NAACP Legend and Freedom Fighter Hazel Dukes Passes

“She was a warrior in the truest sense of the word and activist extraordinaire.”  Those words are from Reverend Al Sharpton who is celebrating the life and activism of the iconic Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, civil rights activist and leader within the ranks of the New York and National Board of the NAACP.  Dukes 92  passed away this morning in  New York. 

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Soul and R&B Mourn Loss of Roberta Flack, Gwen McCrae, and Jerry Butler

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose smooth vocals and intimate style made her a defining artist of the 1970s, died Monday at her home surrounded by family. She was 88. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed the news in a statement. Flack revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had taken away her ability to sing.

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Nancy Leftenant-Colon, Trailblazing Army Nurse and Air Force Veteran, Dies at 104

Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after the military was desegregated in the 1940s, has died at the age of 104. She passed away earlier this month at a nursing home in New York. Known for quietly breaking barriers during her remarkable military career, Leftenant-Colon enjoyed a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service.

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Jimmy Carter, 39th President and Global Humanitarian, Dies at 100

James “Jimmy” Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who became the 39th president of the United States and later redefined the role of an ex-president through decades of humanitarian work, died Sunday at his home. He was 100. His son, James E. Carter III, known as Chip, confirmed the death but provided no immediate cause. Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023 after battling an aggressive form of melanoma that spread to his brain and liver.

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Judith Jamison, Legendary Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dies at 81

Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, passed away on Saturday in New York at 81. Jamison’s death occurred at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center after a brief illness, according to Christopher Zunner, managing director of public relations at the dance company.

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From Gifted Performer to Tragic Loss: Jordan Neely’s Death Brings Daniel Penny to Trial

A widely shared video showing a former Marine placing a man in a chokehold aboard a New York City subway train will be at the heart of the trial of Daniel Penny, who faces charges in the death of celebrated Michael Jackson performer Jordan Neely. The video, which has sparked nationwide debates on race and public safety, shows Penny restraining Neely in a chokehold until his death.

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Cat Glover, Iconic Dancer and Collaborator with Prince, Dies at 60

Prince fans and those in the late icon’s sphere knew well the tantalizing and provocative dance moves and background vocals of Catherine Vernice Glover. Recognized worldwide as Cat, the extraordinary dancer, choreographer, and singer who achieved legendary status through her collaborations with Prince, Glover died at 60. Glover’s death was announced via her official Facebook page, where a brief statement asked for privacy during this difficult time. No cause of death was provided.

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IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Soul Icon Frankie Beverly Passes Away at 76

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 and emotional experience,” the family wrote. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”

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Iconic Jackson 5 Member Tito Jackson Dies at 70

Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. The Jackson 5, which included Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” reshaping the music scene and turning the group into teen heartthrobs.

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