Obituaries

Black Liberation Party member Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron, has died at the age of 78, according to family members.

Esaw Snipes-Garner became a community activist after her husband, Eric Garner, was killed in an act of police violence.

Dr. Bessie Nelson, beloved mother of gospel singers Jonathan and Jason Nelson, has passed away. The family asks for prayers and privacy during this time.

Abraham "Mr. CIAA" Mitchell, an HBCU sports legend who attended the CIAA basketball tournament for decades wearing suits with teams' colors, reportedly died.

Nikki Giovanni, the legendary poet, author and activist whose career spanned nearly 60 years, has died. She was 81.

Quincy Jones, the musical genius whose career spanned more than seven decades of classic material, has died at 91.

NBA legend and former Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo passed away at 58 years old due to brain cancer, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The Georgetown product spent the final five seasons of his 18-year career with the Rockets. Mutombo was known as one of the greatest rim protectors the NBA has ever seen, […]

Tito Jackson, musician and member of the legendary Jackson family, reportedly passed away on Sept. 15 at the age of 70.

There’s been a steady stream of tributes and condolences following the announcement Monday that the legendary Rev. James Lawson had died. 

Christian singer Mandisa died at her Nashville home on Thursday, K-LOVE reports. She was 47. At this time, her cause of death is unknown. Want gospel news at your fingertips? Text “BMORE” To 52140 to join our text club! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITaeONSK7ng&t=6s The Grammy winner was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and American Idol contestant. […]

Sandra Crouch, the twin sister of Andraé Crouch who became a gospel great in her own right, transitioned on March 17 at age 81.

Bishop Carlton D’Metrius Pearson transitioned on November 19th. According to his obituary, Pearson, who was 70, passed away following a brief battle with cancer. Here are the arrangements posted at biglowfunerals.com: Public visitation is Wednesday, 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at All Souls Unitarian Church, and on Thursday morning, 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM, at […]