Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus at age 15—months before Rosa Parks—has died at 86. Though her arrest did not immediately spark a boycott, her courage helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, including her pivotal role as a plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the Supreme Court case that ended bus segregation in Alabama.
Category: Obituaries
Posted inObituaries
Richard Smallwood, gospel icon, to be honored at Jan. 24 celebration of life
The celebration of life for legendary gospel artist Richard Smallwood will take place Jan. 24 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Md. Smallwood, 77, died of complications from kidney failure on Dec. 30, 2025.
Posted inObituaries - Washington D.C.
Funeral arrangements announced for veteran Black Press reporter James L. Wright Jr.
James L. Wright Jr., a dedicated member of the Black Press, community leader, historian and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will be memorialized at the Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Md. on Dec. 19, 2025.
Posted inObituaries
AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, a stalwart civil and social justice advocate, dies at 71
By Chianti Marks AFRO Intern The Black faith community, civil rights and justice advocates and supporters and well-wishers from around the world are mourning the loss of Bishop Reginald Jackson, a respected prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jackson died Nov. 25 at the age of 71. “With profound sorrow, the Jackson family announces […]
Posted inNational News
One of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre’s last survivors, Viola Ford Fletcher, dies at age 111
Viola Ford Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at age 111. Throughout her later years, she worked to preserve the memory of Greenwood, sought justice for the atrocities committed against her community, and chronicled her experiences in her memoir, “Don’t Let Them Bury My Story.”
Posted inReligion
Pioneering UMC Bishop Violet L. Fisher leaves a lasting legacy at 86
Bishop Violet L. Fisher, the first African American woman elected bishop in the United Methodist Church’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, died Nov. 17 at age 86. A barrier-breaking leader and lifelong educator, she is remembered for her trailblazing ministry, global service, and enduring impact on women, Black clergy, and faith communities across generations.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter and legacy
Wallace “Jack” Jackman, longtime co-publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, is remembered for his visionary leadership, community-building spirit and the warmth and humor that defined his life. A mentor, connector and modernizer of the MSR, he leaves behind a powerful legacy carried forward by his family and the many lives he touched.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Jackman family
Posted inObituaries
In Memoriam: Former Detroit congresswoman and CBC chair Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick dies at 80
Carolyn Jean Cheeks Kilpatrick, an assertive advocate for Detroit and Black owned business, died on Oct. 7 in Atlanta. She was 80.
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Dr. Earl S. Richardson, HBCU champion and transformative former president of Morgan State University, dies at 81
Dr. Earl S. Richardson, the ninth president of Morgan State University, passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.
Posted inReligion
Funeral services announced for Elder Doug Wilson
Doug Wilson, 74, a beloved church elder, will be laid to rest Sept. 17 at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services in Randallstown. Friends and community members remembered him as a gentle and caring leader.
Posted inObituaries
Funeral arrangements announced for Rohulamin Quander, retired judge and family historian
Rohulamin Quander, a dedicated judge and historian, dies at 81. Remembered for his advocacy, historical preservation, and community support.
Posted inBlack History
Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil of legendary A&T Four passes away at 83
Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil, one of the famed A&T Four whose 1960 sit-in at a Greensboro Woolworth’s helped spark the Civil Rights Movement, has died at 83. McNeil’s courageous act of protest alongside his classmates laid the groundwork for desegregation and continues to inspire generations committed to justice and equality.