Black Celebs We Lost in 2021

Some of those who have passed on may surprise you. Here we take a look back

A look at those we’ve lost in 2021 Photo: Getty Images Collage: The Root; Photos: Getty Images

As this year is winding down, we have to give flowers to those who left us in 2021. From rap artists and filmmakers to civil rights pioneers, we’ve lost incredible creators and thought leaders who paved the way and made a way for so many of us. If there’s any doubt, just think about the forces of nature we called DMX and Paul Mooney; the civil rights groundbreakers like Bob Moses and Gloria Richardson, and pioneers like Biz Markie. They are gone now, but not forgotten. Swipe through to see those we’ve lost and who we will never forget.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Angela Bassett Reveals the Mission: Impossible Birthday Surprise That Got Tom Cruise Dancing

Young Dolph, hip-hop artist

Young Dolph attends Rolling Loud Fueled by West Coast Cure Los Angeles 2019 – Day 1 on December 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Biz Markie, hip-hop legend

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Coronji Calhoun Sr., Monster’s Ball actor

Screenshot: Instagram

Charlie Robinson, actor

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Lee Evans, Olympic champion

Photo: AP AP

Black Rob, rapper

Photo: AP AP

Clarence Williams III, actor

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Paul Mooney, comedian

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Ronnie Wilson, musician

Photo: Getty Images David Corio

Shock G, rapper

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Suzzanne Douglas, actress

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Gregg Leakes, TV personality

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

DMX, rapper

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Bob Moses, civil rights leader

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Midwin Charles, CNN analyst

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Agnes Tirop, long distance runner

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Michael K. Williams, actor

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Gloria Richardson, civil rights pioneer

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Jovita Moore, broadcast anchor

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Martha White, civil rights activist

Photo: AP AP

Yaphet Kotto, actor (right)

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

These Black California Neighborhoods Have the Most Beautiful Homes— And the Striking Views!

These Black California Neighborhoods Have the Most Beautiful Homes— And the Striking Views!

We’re showing off some of the most beautiful properties in historic Baldwin Hills, View Park and Ladera Heights that’ll take your breath away …
Screenshot: Instagram

The Life and Times of Soul Singer Al Green

In honor of his 80th birthday, we’re looking at the life of the legendary soul singer, Al Green …
Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Louisiana Republicans are on a mission to get rid of an elected office held by an exonerated Black man …
The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

Ashley Guillard is officially appealing the $10 million verdict against her after a jury ruled her TikTok claims about the Idaho student murders were defamatory …
Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Black Excellence: Victor Glover’s deep love for his “Cocoa skin” family will make you proud …
Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

During a VladTV sit-down, rapper Papoose addressed long-standing engagement chatter regarding his relationship with boxer Claressa Shields …
Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re looking at the impact of reproductive injustice on incarcerated Black mothers who face increased health risks …
Pastor Joel Osteen Stuns Fans With New Reaction to Druski Megachurch Parody

Pastor Joel Osteen Stuns Fans With New Reaction to Druski Megachurch Parody

Months after Druski’s viral parody of Christian megachuches broke the internet, Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is finally breaking his silence …
Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s family is demanding answers after she died on her birthday trip to Tanzania …
Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Ahead of a special election in Virginia, Black residents received shocking messages via phone and mail invoking Jim Crow’s dark past …
Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Barber is hosting the 2026 Public Theology & Public Policy Conference to organize Churches for the midterms this fall …
Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s 'Ashes' Weren’t Human At All

Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s ‘Ashes’ Weren’t Human At All

Michelle Bivens thought she was keeping her son close after she cremated him, until an expert determined the ashes weren’t human …
Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

While the explicit nature of the “monkey” and “cannibal” slurs is jarring, it sits within a long, documented tradition of presidential prejudice that has shaped the nation’s policies …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Black mothers are disproportionately affected by postpartum depression, but often go without proper diagnosis or care. During Black Maternal Health Week, we highlight the urgent gaps in maternal mental health support …
The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

Even after a death sentence forced former Congolese President Joseph Kabila back into exile, his story is not over yet …
Why Parents of the 'Black-ish' Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

Why Parents of the ‘Black-ish’ Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

As more parents rethink what college readiness looks like, historically Black colleges and universities are emerging as a preferred path in today’s shifting educational landscape …
Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Greg Mathis told his fans and followers that he was going to do whatever it took to get his wife back. Now, it looks like his efforts have finally paid off! …
NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

As President Trump’s approval rating continues to drop, there is a growing call for his removal from office from both sides of the aisle …
Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

The Las Vegas Aces guard made history as the league’s first seven-figure player …