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.

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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

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Coronji Calhoun Sr., Monster’s Ball actor

Screenshot: Instagram

Charlie Robinson, actor

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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

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Martha White, civil rights activist

Photo: AP AP

Yaphet Kotto, actor (right)

Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

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