On Easter Sunday morning, Vassie Lee Jackson, believed to be Bakersfield’s oldest living resident, took her leave. She was 105 years old, just three months shy of 106.
By her pastor’s account, she had been ready for some time.
Mike Royko was a Chicago columnist syndicated in hundreds of newspapers across America. His working man observations were written with the sarcasm of a man dipping his pen in a boilermaker. He dubbed Jesse Jackson “Jetstream Jesse” for the speed with which he publicly embraced issues. The comment was not meant to be a compliment. Jesse would generate impressions and emotions throughout his life.
America’s unions mourn the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering moral force whose lifelong commitment to justice reshaped both the labor and civil rights movements and left a lasting mark on the nation.
Dr. Irma Carson, a barrier-breaking public servant whose decades of work helped widen doors in local government, law enforcement, education, and community health, has died. Her passing marks the loss of a historic figure whose life of service reshaped civic leadership in Bakersfield and inspired generations within the Black community.
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn-raised Thomas Henry Watkins founder, owner, and publisher of the New York Daily Challenge, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Carmen de Lavallade, the celebrated modern dancer, choreographer, and actress whose artistry helped shape generations of performers, died on Monday, December 29, at the age of 94. Her death was announced by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she served for many years as a principal guest performer and creative force.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a global voice for the poor, immigrants, and the environment, died Monday at age 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death from the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where Francis chose to live instead of the Apostolic Palace
The music and entertainment world reacted in shock and sorrow after the tragic death of Angie Stone, the pioneering singer-songwriter and hip-hop trailblazer who was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in film history, passed away today at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.
facebooktwitterinstagram He was calm and confident but didn’t talk to teammates or coaches. His silence was so heavy he was nicknamed “The Sphinx”. “Everyone kept
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 a 16th term this November.
