Richard D. Parsons. | Source: Brian ZAK / Getty
The year 2024 marked the heartbreaking loss of several iconic Black figures, whose impact transcended entertainment, business, sports, and activism. These individuals didn’t just entertain or excel in their respective fields; they changed the world, leaving behind legacies that will continue to shape their industries and communities for generations to come. From the towering intellect and humanitarian work of Dr. Richard Parsons to the indomitable spirit of activist and poet Nikki Giovanni, the stories of these lives reflect a profound commitment to progress, justice, and excellence.
As we mourn their passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions of these individuals. Their work—whether on screen, in business, on the basketball court, or through activism—has not only entertained us but inspired us to think differently, act courageously, and strive for a better world. Let’s honor the lives of those Black stars we lost in 2024 and whose contributions will forever resonate in the fabric of American culture and beyond.
Dr. Richard D. Parsons (1947–2024)
In December, the world lost Dr. Richard D. Parsons, a titan in American business. Known for his steady leadership, Parsons was a key figure in turning around distressed companies like Time Warner, CBS, and Citigroup. As CEO of Time Warner from 2002 to 2007, he faced the monumental task of righting the ship after the disastrous AOL merger. He reduced the company’s massive debt, streamlined operations, and refocused the media conglomerate on its core strengths. Parsons’ leadership was characterized by a calm, humane approach to corporate governance, earning him the respect of colleagues and competitors alike.
Beyond the boardroom, Parsons was a sought-after adviser to several key figures in American politics and business. His legacy is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to making business serve people.
Parsons, who passed away at his Manhattan home on Dec. 26, had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, according to The Associated Press. He later cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease as the reason for scaling back his work in subsequent years. He was 76.
Quincy Jones (1933–2024)
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Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in the world of music and entertainment, also passed in 2024, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than six decades. A Grammy-winning producer, composer, and arranger, Jones was a pioneer who reshaped jazz, pop, and film scores. His collaborations with Michael Jackson, including the production of Thriller, remain among the most influential works in music history. A prolific figure, Jones also used his platform to support civil rights causes and mentor countless artists throughout his career.
Quincy Jones didn’t just change the sound of music; he opened doors for generations of Black musicians to follow. His contributions to culture, music, and social progress are unmatched.
The legendary musician died on Nov. 3 at the age of 91 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
John Amos (1939–2024)
John Amos and Esther Rolle (1920 – 1998) in a promotional portrait for the sitcom, ‘Good Times’, 1974. | Source: Silver Screen Collection / Getty
John Amos, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Good Times and Roots, passed away in 2024, leaving an indelible mark on television and film. Amos was a pioneer in portraying Black characters with depth and dignity, tackling difficult issues such as systemic racism, generational trauma, and Black family dynamics in an era when such themes were rarely explored on mainstream TV.
His portrayal of James Evans Sr. on Good Times became one of the most important depictions of a Black father on television, making Amos a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Beyond acting, Amos also used his platform to address issues of racial justice, advocating for greater representation and opportunities for Black talent in Hollywood.
Amos passed away on Aug. 21 due to congestive heart failure, according to USA Today. He was 84.
James Earl Jones (1931–2024)
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The voice of a generation, James Earl Jones, passed away on Sept. 9 at the age of 93. Known for his iconic roles in Star Wars as Darth Vader and in The Lion King as Mufasa, Jones’ deep, resonant voice became one of the most recognizable in film history. But beyond his vocal talents, Jones was also a celebrated actor on stage and screen, earning accolades for his powerful performances in works like The Great White Hope and Fences.
Jones was not only an actor but a mentor to many Black actors who followed in his footsteps. His legacy is one of excellence, artistry, and a deep commitment to the craft of acting.
Nikki Giovanni (1943–2024)
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Poet, activist, and educator, Nikki Giovanni was a powerful voice in both the literary world and the Civil Rights Movement. Her writing captured the experiences and struggles of Black Americans with unparalleled clarity and grace. Giovanni’s poetry often addressed themes of love, identity, and social justice, making her one of the most important literary figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her activism extended beyond the page, as she championed civil rights, Black empowerment, and gender equality throughout her life.
Giovanni passed away at the age of 81 on Dec. 9 following a longtime battle with cancer.
DJ Clark Kent (1969–2024)
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In the world of hip-hop, DJ Clark Kent was a revered figure, known not only for his turntable skills but also for his role as a producer and tastemaker. He was a key figure in the New York hip-hop scene, producing tracks for artists like Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. His influence in shaping the sound of modern rap cannot be overstated, and his contributions to the genre helped elevate it from an underground movement to a global cultural force.
Beyond music, DJ Clark Kent was an advocate for Black youth, using his platform to mentor young artists and push for greater representation in the music industry. In 2019, the legendary DJ teamed up with YellowBrick to create The DJ Clark Kent Scholarship program, an initiative aimed at giving qualified students education and access to mentorship opportunities in industries like music, fashion design, and sports.
Kent passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 58 following a battle with colon cancer.
Dikembe Mutombo (1966–2024)
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Former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, known for his incredible shot-blocking ability and humanitarian work, passed away on Sept. 30 from brain cancer. Mutombo was not just one of the greatest basketball players of his era; he was also a passionate advocate for health and education in his native Congo and across Africa. His Dikembe Mutombo Foundation helped provide access to healthcare and education for thousands of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mutombo’s contributions to basketball are legendary, but his off-court work truly solidified his place as a global ambassador for change and humanitarianism.
Tito Jackson (1953–2024)
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Tito Jackson, the eldest of the Jackson 5, was an integral part of one of the most influential musical families in history. His contributions as a guitarist and vocalist helped define the sound of the Jackson 5 and laid the groundwork for Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career. Tito’s passing in 2024 marks the end of an era for the Jackson family, but his legacy as a pioneering artist and mentor continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
Jackson died on Sept. 15 following a heart attack. He was 70.
Sheila Jackson Lee (1950 – 2024)
Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty
Sheila Jackson Lee, the longtime Texas Congresswoman, was known for her fierce advocacy for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice. Jackson was recognized for her unwavering support of underserved communities. She secured millions in federal funding for vital initiatives in Houston, including flood control, healthcare, and public safety. Her passing marked a significant loss for the Black political community when she died on July 19 following a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 74.
Iyaluua Ferguson (1932 – 2024)
Source: Solwazi Afi Olusola
Iyaluua Ferguson was a celebrated community leader and activist known for her dedication to education, youth empowerment, and social justice. Her work impacted countless lives, especially within underrepresented communities, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and change. Ferguson passed away in February at the age of 91.
Hydeia Broadbent (1984 – 2024)
Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty
Hydeia Broadbent was a trailblazer in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Diagnosed with the virus as a child, Hydeia became a passionate spokesperson, sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of HIV prevention and education. Her work touched the hearts of many, and her commitment to destigmatizing the disease helped pave the way for better conversations around health and awareness.
Broadbent died in February.
Joe Madison (1949 – 2024)
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Joe Madison, often called “The Black Eagle,” was a pioneering radio host and activist who used his platform to champion civil rights, social justice, and the empowerment of Black communities. His voice and influence were felt across the nation as he fought for political change and equality. Madison died on Jan. 31 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 76.
Sekou Odinga (1949 – 2024)
Source: Asia Feliciano / NewsOne
Sekou Odinga, a former U.S. political prisoner who spent 33 years behind bars for his involvement in the Black liberation movement, passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 79. A key figure in some of the most influential organizations in American Black liberation history, Odinga was a member of Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity, the Black Panther Party, and the Black Liberation Army. He is also widely recognized for his role in the 1979 escape of fellow political prisoner Assata Shakur, who remains in exile in Cuba.
Dr. Antionette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey (1950 – 2024)
Dr. Antionette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, a highly respected administrator at Lincoln University, tragically took her own life on Jan. 8, leaving a deep and lasting impact on the university community. At 49, Candia-Bailey returned to Lincoln University in the spring of 2023 to take on the role of vice president for student affairs, a position that marked the next chapter of her distinguished career in higher education. Known for her professionalism and expertise, Bonnie earned a PhD in leadership studies and was widely admired for her contributions to the field.
Her mother, Veronica Candia, and her husband, Anthony Bailey, spoke to NBC News, alleging that Bonnie had been dismissed by President Moseley just days before her death. They shared that she had been struggling with depression and felt increasingly unsupported in her role. According to her family, Bonnie confided in them about a deteriorating relationship with Moseley, which they believe contributed to her emotional turmoil. Her death left the Lincoln University community saddened and in shock.
Rico Wade (1970 – 2024)
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Rico Wade was a legendary producer, songwriter, and co-founder of the influential Dungeon Family collective, which gave rise to artists like OutKast and CeeLo Green. His contribution to the hip-hop and R&B scenes helped shape the sound of Southern music. Wade died on April 13. He was 52.
O.J. Simpson (1947 – 2024)
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O.J. Simpson, a former NFL star and actor, remains one of the most polarizing figures in American history. While his career achievements in football and film are undeniable, his legacy is forever entwined with his infamous murder trial that captivated the nation. Simpson’s life story continues to serve as a lens through which race, celebrity, and justice are often discussed in America.
Simpson died on April 10 following a private battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
Louis Gossett Jr. (1936 – 2024)
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Louis Gossett Jr. was an iconic actor, perhaps best known for his Academy Award-winning role in An Officer and a Gentleman. A trailblazer for Black actors in Hollywood, Gossett used his platform to speak out on issues of race and equality in the entertainment industry, earning widespread respect for his work both on and off the screen. Gossett Jr. died on March 29 after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, USA Today reported.
Eric Mays (1971 – 2024)
Known for his viral TikTok videos, was a Michigan politician and activist known for his fearless stance on civil rights issues. A tireless advocate for community empowerment, Mays served as a city councilman in Flint, where he championed reforms related to water safety, public health, and urban revitalization for over a decade.
Mays passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 65.
Carl Weathers (1948 – 2024)
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Carl Weathers, a beloved actor and former professional football player, gained fame for his roles in Rocky, Predator, and The Mandalorian. His powerful on-screen presence and legacy in both sports and film left a lasting impression on American pop culture, making him a beloved figure for generations.
Weathers passed away on Feb. 2 at the age of 76 following a longtime battle with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, also known as ASCVD, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Josephine Wright (? – 2024)
Source: GoFundMe/Charise Graves
Josephine Wright, the resilient South Carolina woman who fought tirelessly to protect her family’s ancestral land on Hilton Head Island, passed away on Jan. 7 at the age of 94. Known for her determination, Wright spent her final years battling Bailey Point Investment, LLC, a major housing developer, to preserve the property she inherited from her late husband. Her cause garnered significant celebrity support, amplifying her fight to keep her home intact.
Two months after her passing, a settlement was finally reached in the ongoing legal battle. On March 14, a family spokesperson confirmed to South Carolina Public Radio that a resolution had been achieved after a yearlong struggle. Altimese Nichole, the Wright family representative, announced that Bailey Point Investment, LLC, had agreed to cease all contact with the family regarding the Hilton Head property. Additionally, as part of the settlement, the company is required to repair Wright’s roof, install a privacy fence, and provide landscaping around the property. Wright’s legacy of perseverance has left a lasting mark on the community, ensuring the protection of her family’s heritage for generations to come.
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