Black people have had a significant impact on every aspect of life. From entertainment to sports, politics, and business, they have made the world a better place. Sadly, 2024 has seen us lose some of the most influential figures in these industries. As we make it halfway through the year, let’s honor the lives and legacies of the Black celebrities we have lost in 2024.
Joe Bryant
Former NBA player Joe Bryant passed away on July 16 at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke. Known as the father of Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, Joe was drafted in the 1975 NBA Draft and played in the league for eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets.
Sheila Jackson Lee
Veteran Democratic congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee died on July 19 at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer. Lee, who was an outspoken advocate for Black people, served as a representative and was a municipal judge and city councilwoman in Houston before her tenure in Congress. She passed away surrounded by family in Houston.
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson died on April 10 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The former NFL star, who became infamous during the 1990s for his trial for the double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, was acquitted in 1995. After his football career, Simpson worked as an announcer, sportscaster, and pop culture figure.
Chance Perdomo
Young and talented actor Chance Perdomo tragically died on March 29 at the age of 27 following a motorcycle accident. Perdomo, an American and British actor, was gaining recognition in the industry for his role on the 2023 TV show “Gen V.”
Maricet Gonzalez
Judo champion and 2016 Olympian Maricet Espinosa Gonzalez passed away on January 21 at the age of 34 after suffering a heart attack. Nicknamed “La Mole,” Gonzalez was a two-time Pan American Games gold medalist, representing Cuba in 2013 and 2014.
Duke Fakir
Motown legend Duke Fakir, the last surviving member of the Four Tops, died on July 22 at the age of 88 from heart failure. Fakir co-founded the Four Tops in 1953 and continued to perform with the group until 2023.
Dexter King
Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away on January 22 at the age of 62 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dexter was a civil rights activist and chairman of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
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Ronald Powell
Former NFL player Ronald Powell died in January at the young age of 32. His cause of death was not disclosed. Powell played in the NFL for four years, mostly on practice squads for teams like the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks.
Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers, known for his roles in “Rocky,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “The Mandalorian,” passed away on February 1 at the age of 76. He died at home in his sleep. Weathers had a diverse and successful career in film and television.
Kelvin Kiptum
Kelvin Kiptum, an accomplished marathon runner, died on February 11 at the young age of 24 in a car accident in Kenya. Kiptum held the world record in the marathon with a time of 2:00:35 set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Eddie Cheeba
Pioneering DJ Eddie Cheeba, born Edward Sturgis, died on February 13 at the age of 67 after suffering cardiac arrest. Cheeba was considered one of the founding fathers of hip-hop and was part of a DJ trio that influenced many early hip-hop artists.
Gylan Kain
Spoken-word artist Gylan Kain, also known as Kain the Poet, passed away on February 7 from heart disease at the age of 81. Kain was a founder of The Last Poets, a group that laid the groundwork for hip-hop, with rap legends like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg sampling his work.
As we reflect on the contributions of these remarkable individuals, their legacies continue to inspire and influence future generations. They will be remembered for their impact on their respective fields and the broader cultural landscape.
