Celebrity Death

Black woman in White dress stands behind black microphone in front of white light on black background
Sameer Rao  Aug 25, 2017 10:41AM EDT

'Whitney. Can I Be Me' Explores the Artist's Struggles With White Entertainment Industry Standards

The new feature documentary, which chronicles Houston’s life from pre-superstardom to her sudden 2012 death, airs exclusively on Showtime.
Black man in grey striped suit with light blue tie in front of black background
Sameer Rao  Aug 21, 2017 11:49AM EDT

7 Black Creators Remember Dick Gregory's Legacy

The comedian and activist’s death at age 84 leaves a gaping hole in both the art and activism worlds. Here are how some of the people living in his legacy addressed his passing.
Black man in black hat and shirt with grey blazer in front of blurry yellow-lit background
Sameer Rao  Jul 10, 2017 3:40PM EDT

READ: How Nelsan Ellis' 'True Blood' Character Opened More Space for Black Queer TV Representation

In a new essay, The Undefeated’s Soraya Nadia McDonald eulogizes Ellis, who recently died of heart failure, and his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds.
Black man sits in black baseball cap and jacket with grey lettering and dark blue jeans on black chair in front of purple background
Sameer Rao  Jun 22, 2017 3:15PM EDT

Mobb Deep's Havoc on Prodigy's Death: 'I Still Can't Believe It'

“I can’t even listen to ‘Shook Ones’ or any song.”
Black man in blue outfit with silver collar in front of orange background
Sameer Rao  Apr 21, 2017 1:17PM EDT

PLAYLIST: The 9 Prince Songs We Have on Repeat Today

On the first anniversary of the his untimely passing, we offer a Spotify playlist of our favorite Prince songs.
Black man in black sunglasses and black leather suit with white shirt and embroidering in front of brown wood wall with gold and white text
Sameer Rao  Apr 12, 2017 4:39PM EDT

Celebrate Charlie Murphy's Life in 5 Videos

The comedian and actor died at age 57 after battling leukemia. From animation to “Chappelle’s Show,” here are just a few clips showcasing his comic gifts.
Black man in light purple shirt and black pants holds brown guitar behind black microphone stand in front of blue screen with black text
Sameer Rao  Mar 20, 2017 3:07PM EDT

Honor Chuck Berry's Guitar-Slinging Greatness With These Classic Clips

Berry—hailed by many as a pioneer of what would become rock n’ roll—died at age 90. Celebrate his legacy with these songs and performances.
Black man in baby blue blazer and silver scarf against orange background; Black man in red leather jacket and black hat against black and red background
Sameer Rao  Jan 3, 2017 10:30AM EST

Prince, Phife Dawg and More Deceased Icons Honored in New Peanut Butter Wolf Mixes

The Stones Throw Records founder celebrates those musicians who died in 2016 in these tribute mixes. 
Alt-text: Prince in black and white shirt holds up his hands
Sameer Rao  Dec 29, 2016 1:00PM EST

Words and Wisdom From Trailblazers Who Passed in 2016

The year 2016 took a range of artists, thinkers, leaders and activists of color from the world. Herewith, a tribute featuring their own words.
Tommy Ford in grey suit with pink shirt against brown background
Sameer Rao  Oct 13, 2016 1:31PM EDT

#RIPTommy: Fans Honor the Late Tommy Ford With Their Favorite 'Martin' Clips

The actor, best known for playing Martin Lawrence’s best friend on the comedy “Martin,” died yesterday at the age of 52.
Gloria Naylor in orange outfit and head wrap with brown blurry background
Sameer Rao  Oct 4, 2016 11:14AM EDT

The World Mourns Loss of Gloria Naylor

The New York Times confirmed yesterday that the celebrated author of ”The Women of Brewster Place” died on September 28 at the age of 66.
Black-and-white portrait of Muhammad Ali, surrounded by green wreaths under a sky with a crescent moon
Sameer Rao  Jun 10, 2016 1:52PM EDT

LIVESTREAM: Watch Muhammad Ali's Public Funeral at 3 p.m. ET

Bill Clinton will deliver the final eulogy at the boxing and social justice legend’s funeral.
Red boxing gloves and a portrait of Muhammad Ali set amidst green floral arrangements
Sameer Rao  Jun 9, 2016 4:26PM EDT

Funeral Service For Muhammad Ali Draws Thousands

An estimated 14,000 mourners flocked to Ali’s hometown of Louisville to celebrate the boxer’s life.
D'Angelo in black outfit, holding microphone in front of blue background , covered in purple light
Sameer Rao  Jun 8, 2016 11:19AM EDT

D'Angelo, Sheila E. to Pay Tribute to Prince at BET Awards

The Roots and Janelle Monáe will also honor the icon during the June 26 awards show.
Smiling, shirtless Black boy brings orange boxing gloves together in front of his chest
Kenrya Rankin  Jun 7, 2016 9:00AM EDT

WATCH: These Adorable Boys Honor Muhammad Ali's Enduring Legacy

“I am America,” the Black boys say. “I am the part you won’t recognize.”
Man sucks on a lollipop at ringside
Kenrya Rankin  Jun 6, 2016 11:41AM EDT

Media Says Muhammad Ali 'Transcended Race.' Twitter Goes Off.

We rounded up the best clapbacks to the attempted erasure of Ali’s activist legacy.
A purple mural depicts Prince with his eyes closed, it is signed "Mr. G."
Kenrya Rankin  Jun 2, 2016 3:24PM EDT

Autopsy: Prince Overdosed on Fentanyl

The medical examiner says the fatal dose was self-injected.
Kenrya Rankin  Apr 21, 2016 1:21PM EDT

Publicist Confirms: Prince Dead at 57

The groundbreaking musician was found dead in his home today.
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