It would not be possible for Black people to be celebrated the way we are today without those who paved the way before us, whether they’re musicians or athletes. Last year, we lost so many legends that it’s hard to even count. This year, we are starting to lose them again, but what really matters is that we never forget them. Here are the Black celebrities we lost so far in 2025.
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Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Indiana-born actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. died Dec. 30 in New York following a short, undisclosed illness. Whitlock is perhaps best known as the corrupt Sen. Clay Davis from HBO’s acclaimed drama “The Wire.” He also starred in several Spike Lee joints, including “Da 5 Bloods,” “Red Hook Summer” and “Chi-Raq.” His acting credits in film and television date back to the early 1980s; during “The Wire,” Whitlock became known for Davis’ signature catchphrase, “Sheeeeeeeeeeit,” which Whitlock employed in several acting roles thereafter. He was 71.
Richard Smallwood
Grammy-nominated gospel singer and pianist Richard Smallwood passed away on Dec. 30 due to complications from kidney failure. The Georgia native earned a degree in music from Howard University and was a member of the school’s gospel group, the Celestials.
As a professional artist, his hits have been covered by some of the biggest names in music, including Destiny’s Child and Whitney Houston, whose version of “I Love the Lord” was included in the soundtrack for “The Preacher’s Wife.” Smallwood was 77.
Carmen de Lavallade
Dancer Carmen de Lavallade passed away on Dec. 29 at 94 after battling a brief illness. Over the course of her nearly 60-year career, de Lavallade performed with the American Ballet Theater, the Metropolitan Opera, and shared the stage with other renowned entertainers, including Alvin Ailey, Lena Horne and Josephine Baker.
Don Bryant
The family of Memphis soul singer Don Bryant announced his passing on Dec. 26, according to the Rolling Stone. The 83-year-old singer rose to fame in the ’70s becoming one of the leading Black voices in music. Bryant is widely known for co-writing “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with and for his wife, Ann Peebles, of more than 50 years.
“Don loved sharing his music and songs with all of you and it gave him such great joy to perform and record new music,” Bryant’s family said on Instagram. “He was so appreciative of everyone who was part of his musical journey and who supported him along the way.”
Carl Carlton
Grammy-nominated R&B and funk singer Carl Carlton has passed away. He was 73. The Detroit native is best known for his 1981 hit, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” which is still a hot girl anthem today.
Although his cause of death was not reported, Carlton’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, confirmed the news in a Dec. 14 Facebook post.
“RIP Dad,” he captioned a picture Carlton. “Long hard fight in life, and you will be missed.” Carlton’s death comes six years after he suffered a stroke, according to Soultracks.com.
Viola Fletcher
Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, died on Monday (Nov. 24). She was 111 years old. Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols put out a statement acknowledging the icon’s passing, writing:
“Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher– a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history. Mother Fletcher endured more than anyone should, yet she spent her life lighting a path forward with purpose,” Nichols wrote. “Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go. She never stopped advocating for justice for the survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled every day of her life.”
Jimmy Cliff
Legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff, known for the hit song, “I Can See Clearly Now,” passed away at age 81 on Monday (Nov. 24), due to complications related to pneumonia and a seizure.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed the news in Instagram post the same day.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love,” she wrote.
Jellybean Johnson
Musician, songwriter and producer, Jellybean Johnson, passed away on Nov. 21, just two days after his 69th birthday. Born Garry George Johnson, he was best known as the drummer for the band The Time, personally chosen by Prince to keep the beat for Morris Day. But Johnson also lent his talents to other well-known artists, producing hits for Alexander O’Neal, New Edition, Janet Jackson and more.
In a Nov. 22 Instagram post, Sheila E. remembered Johnson as “a kind human being” who was “extremely talented and funny.”
H. Rap Brown
Civil rights activist Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin passed away at a federal prison hospital in North Carolina on Nov. 23. He was 82. Known as H. Rap Brown, he began his civil rights work as leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the late 1960s. But he began to challenge the nonviolent strategy, preaching that violence could be a necessary part of effective resistance.
“Black folk built America, and if it don’t come around, we’re gonna burn America down,” he said.
At the time of his death, he was serving a life sentence without parole after being convicted in 2002 of murdering Fulton County Deputy Ricky Kinchen.
Kimberly Hébert Gregory
Kimberly Hébert Gregory passed away on Friday, Oct. 3, according to a social media post put up by her ex-husband Chester. The actress was best known for her roles in projects like HBO’s “Vice Principals” and “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.” Her former costars like Walter Goggins, Jason Ritter, and others like Bun B and JB Smoove all offered condolences. Gregory’s cause of death has not yet been made public. and she’s survived by her son. She was 52.
Assata Shakur
Activist Assata Shakur, Black Panther Party member and noted revolutionary, died in Cuba on Sept. 26. She was 78. Shakur moved to the Caribbean country in 1984, five years following her escape from a New Jersey prison, where she was serving a life sentence for the murder of a police officer; Fidel Castro granted Shakur (born Joanne Chesimard) political asylum, turning her into a symbol of strained relations between the country. For her supporters, Shakur spent nearly half a century as an icon of Black American freedom fighters and an example of the consequences of an imbalanced and biased criminal justice system.
Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown
Sidney “Omen” Brown, a GRAMMY award-winning producer known for his work with artists including Beyoncé, Drake, and Lil Wayne, passed away on September 13 at age 49. Omen began making a name for himself in the 1990s and early 2000s producing tracks for artists signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, including Memphis Bleek. In 2007, he won a GRAMMY for Best Rap album for his work on Ludacris’ “Release Therapy,” featuring the single “Tell It Like It Is.”
Tributes poured in from friends and fans, including Barawine Harlem, a New York wine bar where Brown was a long time DJ.
“There are not enough words to express our feelings. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, his friends and all who love him,” the bar posted on Instagram.
Dr. Danielle Spencer
Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the popular 70’s show “What’s Happening” died on August 11. Per TMZ, the cause of death was due to complications of cancer. She was 60 years old and surrounded by family and loved ones as she transitioned. The news of her passing was made public by her friend and former costar Haywood Nelson on Instagram.
“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced,” Nelson wrote in part.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known best for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died on July 210. The actor was on a family trip to Costa Rica and died in an accidental drowning while swimming. An official autopsy later confirmed the cause of death as accidental “asphyxia by submersion.” He was 54.
Robbie Pardlo
Robbie Pardlo, one-third of the the singing group City High passed away on July 19 at age 46. His cause of death is currently unknown but was later confirmed by TMZ. Pardlo was the lead singer of the group alongside his classmates Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. They were responsible for the 2001 hits “What Would You Do?” and “Caramel,” featuring Eve. Though they would separate in 2003, their musical effort would earn them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group a year prior.
Pardlo’s brother Gregory put out an official statement to PEOPLE shortly after the news broke, writing: “I’ve been taking shelter in the love of family and in my brother’s memory. Even with his body covered in tattoos and the streetwise tough guy persona he cultivated, my little brother will always be a sweet, goofy kid in my eyes.”
Lynn Hamilton
Actress Lynn Hamilton, known best for her role as Fred Sanford’s love interest, Nurse Donna, on the sitcom “Sanford & Son,” passed away on June 19 at age 95. Her former manager and publicist confirmed the news on Facebook. Hamilton, whose career lasted over 50 years, also played Verdie Foster on the television drama, “The Waltons.”
Dave Scott
The choreographer, known for his work on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Step Up 2,” died on June 16, according to a family statement. He was 52. The Compton native was also credited for his work on “You Got Served” and several seasons of “So You Think You Can Dance.” His talent agency described him as “the key ingredient behind the success” of boy group B2K. His cause of death was not revealed by family.
Wayne Lewis
Wayne Lewis, one of the original members of the R&B group Atlantic Starr passed away on June 5 at age 68, according to a June 7 Facebook post by members of his family. The White Plains, N.Y. native founded the group, known for 1980s hits like “Secret Lovers” and “Send For Me” with his brothers Jonathan and David in 1976. Lewis’ cause of death has not been revealed.
Ananda Lewis
On June 11, journalist and television host Ananda Lewis passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Lewis was beloved by many for time as MTV VJ and host of the BET talk show series “Teen Summit.” Lewis’ family confirmed her passing in a Facebook post writing, “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”
Sly Stone
Funk and soul legend Sly Stone, founding member of the band Sly and the Family Stone passed away on June 9 at age 82 after battling COPD and other underlying health issues. The singer was known for classic hits in the 196os and 1970s, including “Everyday People” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come,” his family wrote in a statement announcing his passing.
Junior Bridgeman
Former NBA player and billionaire businessman Junior Birdgeman died on March 11 at 71. He died after suffering a “medical emergency,” according to WISN. During his 12-year NBA career, he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers. As a businessman and entrepreneur, Bridgeman invested in several restaurant chains, including Chili’s and Wendy’s. He also became a bottle distributor for Coca-Cola in three states and Canada. He died with a net worth of $1.4 billion.
Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the legendary composer, vibraphonist, record producer, and jazz-funk artist, died on March 4 at 84. In a statement from his family, they said he passed away “after a long illness.” Often called “The Godfather of Neo Soul,” Ayers was an accomplished musician who released dozens of albums that spanned more than 60 years. He is known for his 1976 hit, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” which has since become a classic record in R&B and Jazz.
Angie Stone
R&B songstress Angie Stone died the morning of March 1 following an auto accident. The Columbia, S.C. native started her career in the 1970s as a member of female rap group The Sequence. She was nominated for several Grammys for her solo work, including in 2007 for her song “Baby” from her fourth solo album “The Art of Love & War.” She was 63.
Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning Singer and R&B Legend
Grammy-winning singer and true pioneering force in R&B Roberta Flack passed away on Monday, February 24th. She was 88 years old and surrounded by her family. Flack of course is known for her hit songs like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and her Grammy-winning cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Voletta Wallace, Mother of Biggie
The news that Voletta Wallace, mother to late rapper Biggie Smalls, passed away was made public on Friday, Feb. 21. She was receiving hospice care in her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and died of natural causes. She was 72 years old.
In a statement to her official Instagram, the post read:
We suffered a tremendous loss today. Our mother, our matriarch, the woman who dedicated herself to uplifting her son, Christopher Wallace, and preserving his legacy has passed. It is with immense sadness that we share this news with you, and ask that you give our family the space and time needed to grieve this monumental loss. Thank you for your continued outpouring of love, prayers and condolences in this difficult time.
Tommy Hunt
Tommy Hunt, and member of the legendary group The Flamingos, died at the age of 91. The Flamingos were best known for their 1959 cover of the song “I Only Have Eyes for You.” In 2001, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Irv Gotti
Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., better known as Irv Gotti, passed away on February 5th. He was only 54. His children Angie, Sonny, and JJ stated in an Instagram post that he passed away surrounded by family and friends.
Gotti was a producer and the founder of the label Murder Inc., which was the label responsible for signing Ja Rule and Ashanti back in 1998. Murder Inc Records was also the label responsible for producing songs for other legendary artists such as Mary J Blige, DMX, and Jay-Z.
Harry Stewart Jr.
At the beautiful age of 100, World War II fighter pilot Harry Stewart Jr. died on February 2nd. Stewart earned honors for his combat heroism, and he was one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen. Stewart also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for taking down three German aircrafts on April 1st, 1945, according to CNN.
Barry Michael Cooper
Barry Michael Cooper was a writer and film producer. He was best known for his films New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim. Cooper was also known for the TV Series She’s Gotta Have It based on the Spike Lee film. Cooper was also an investigative journalist and one of the journalists to first report on the crack-cocaine epidemic in the 1980s, according to IMDB. Cooper passed on January 22 at the age of 66.
Gus Williams
Gus Williams, also known as “The Wizard,” was a two-time NBA All-Star. Throughout his career, William played for the Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics, Washington Bullets, and Atlanta Hawks. In 1979, Williams led the SuperSonics to an NBA championship and in 2009 was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. Williams passed on the 15th of January at the age of 71
Samuel Moore
Sam Moore passed away on January 10. He was 89. Moore was a singer best known for being a part of the soul duo Sam and Dave. The duo performed in the 1960s until they split in the 1980s. Moore was named one of Rolling Stone’s top 100 singers of all time and was a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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