Rev. Graylan S. Hagler, a longtime Washington, D.C. pastor and civil rights advocate, was remembered at his funeral service for his commitment to justice and his powerful oratory, as he was laid to rest after a long battle with cancer.
Category: Obituaries – Washington D.C.
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 inBlack Press
Family and friends gather for celebration of journalist James L. Wright Jr.’s life and legacy
Family, friends, and journalists gathered on Dec. 19 at Hemingway Memorial AME Church to honor the life and legacy of James L. Wright Jr. Wright Jr. was a staff writer for the Washington Informer, and a former writer for the AFRO News and Washington Post. He also was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Posted inBlack Press
Charles F. Robinson III, award-winning journalist and news director, dies at 69
By Alexis TaylorAFRO Managing Editor Veteran journalist and news director Charles F. Robinson III died Dec. 15. Robinson was a giant of the Black Press and a vital member of the Maryland Public Television (MPT) team. Travis Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer at MPT, described Robinson as “one of the rare individuals […]
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 - Washington D.C.
Beloved journalist James L. Wright Jr. dies at 62
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor James L. Wright Jr., the internationally respected former AFRO reporter and editor, has died at age 62. Wright was a resolute and focused sports, political and public affairs reporter who also served as a city editor for the AFRO American Newspaper for many years. At the time of his […]
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Obituary: Dorothy Anna Williams, matriarch and former federal employee, dies at 95
Dorothy Anna Williams is remembered as a gracious and vibrant matriarch whose warmth, charm, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she embraced life fully—from her decades-long career in public service to her later years filled with travel, card games, and cherished family moments.
Posted inD.C. Community
Remembering Aaron Spears: How DMV drummers mourn the loss of a drumming legend
By Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO The world of music was hit with a devastating blow when the news of Aaron Spears’ passing reverberated across social media. Spears, a highly accomplished and respected drummer, known for his exceptional talents and contributions to the music industry, left an indelible mark during his impressive career. […]
Posted inNational News
Renowned civil rights advocate Charles J. Ogletree Jr. dies, leaving a legacy of justice and empowerment
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a distinguished Harvard Law School professor, celebrated attorney, and leading civil rights advocate, has died at 70.Ogletree, who had battled Alzheimer’s disease since 2015, reportedly died at his home in Maryland.“Charles was a tireless advocate for civil rights, equality, human dignity, and social […]
Posted inBUSINESS
National Black Business Chamber champion Harry C. Alford dies
Submitted by Larry D. Ivory President/CEO, Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce It is with great sadness that our Warrior Leader and President/CEO and Co-Founder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Harry C. Alford, transitioned Monday, December 6, in Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay DeBow, Vice President […]
Posted inNEWS
Homegoing Celebration for Brother Edgar A. Brookins, Jr.
Homegoing Celebration for Brother Edgar A. Brookins, Jr. Saturday, December 18 at 11:00 a.m., Memorial Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia Read tributes to Mr. Brookins here and here. Read additional articles related to Mr. Brookins: Ciera Brookins Memorialized at an Emotional Service Ciera Brookins, Morgan Student, Dies at 25 A Reflection on Veterans Day from a […]
Posted inD.C. Community
Leaders remember President of Washington Teachers Union after tragic Easter Sunday death
Washington Teachers Union President Elizabeth Davis, affectionately known as Liz, died in a two-car crash on April 4. (Courtesy Photo) By Micha Green AFRO D.C. Editor mgreen@afro.com The well-known and beloved President of the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU), Elizabeth Davis, 70, died tragically in a two-car crash on the evening of Easter Sunday. With her […]