Obituaries
As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.
Legendary dancer Carmen de Lavallade, who broke barriers and inspired generations, has passed away at 94.
Gospel legend Richard Smallwood, 8-time Grammy nominee, dies at 77 after kidney failure. Pioneered contemporary gospel sound.
Legendary Memphis soul artist Don Bryant, known for hits like 'I Can't Stand the Rain,' passes away at 83.
R&B legend Carl Carlton, known for hits like 'Everlasting Love' and 'She’s a Bad Mama Jama,' has passed away at 72.
Vivian Ayers Allen, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet, scholar, and artist who was also the mother of Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, has died at 102. On Thursday, Debbie Allen shared the news with a poetic tribute that reflected her mother’s own creative spirit. A native of Chester, South Carolina, Vivian Ayers Allen was a trailblazer […] The post Vivian Ayers Allen, Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Poet & Mother Of Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad, Passes Away At 102 appeared first on Bossip.
Michael Madsen, Iconic Actor Known for ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill,’ Dies at 67 Michael Madsen, the celebrated actor known for his tough-guy roles in films like Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Donnie Brasco, has passed away at the age of 67. Madsen was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and was pronounced […]
Dr. Bessie Nelson, beloved mother of gospel singers Jonathan and Jason Nelson, has passed away. The family asks for prayers and privacy during this time.
ATL rapper Young Scooter has died as he reportedly fled Atlanta Police in Southeast Atlanta on Mar. 28, his 39th birthday.
D'Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer.
Sha'Vi Lewis, a Clark Atlanta alum who competed in Bravo's fashion-competition series "Project Runway," passed away on Feb. 24.
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers' success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.