In commemoration of World AIDS Day, which will take place Dec. 1, BlackVoices.com takes a look at a few of the famous African Americans who lost their battle with AIDS. This serves as a reminder that HIV/AIDS affects all parts of society. It does not discriminate based on age, race or socio-economic status. Celebrities like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Alicia Keys, Nelson George and Bill T. Jones have dedicated their lives to bringing awareness to the issue. BV profiles visionaries and game changers like Howard Rollins, Willi Smith, Max Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Fela Kuti and Eric "Eazy E" Wright, all of whom succumbed to the disease.

Read more at Black Voices.