By Crusader Staff (Black Press USA Wire) – For nearly four decades, millions of Americans welcomed Tony Brown into their homes each week. But Brown was never interested in simply hosting another television program. He wanted to transform the way Black America saw itself—and the way the nation saw Black America. Brown, the pioneering journalist, […]
Category: Obituaries
Posted inObituaries
In memoriam: Minister Louis Farrakhan’s wife, Khadijah Farrakhan, dies
Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and a longtime pillar of the organization, died June 27 at age 90 after 72 years of marriage. Remembered for her devotion to family, faith and community, she leaves behind a legacy of supporting the Nation of Islam and advocating for the strength and unity of families.
Posted inObituaries
Rob Base, pioneer of ’80s and ’90s rap, dies at 59
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock achieved mass appeal with their fast-paced, catchy music that combined infectious grooves, scratching, and hooks, paving the way for ’80s and ’90s rap to become universal pop music.
Posted inObituaries
Crystal R. Emery, director, author and advocate dies at 65
Filmmaker, disability rights leader, and comedian celebrated for a life’s work championing equity, STEM, and the power of the human spirit By Cheryl Duncan & Company Crystal R. Emery, an award-winning producer, director, author and nationally recognized STEM and disability advocate whose work championed equity and inclusion across film, theater, publishing and education, died May […]
Posted inObituaries
Celebration of life held for legendary architect Leon Bridges Sr.
Family and friends are still mourning the loss of Leon Bridges Sr., who has died at age 93. A celebration of life for Leon Bridges Sr. took place Monday, April 27 at his home church in Baltimore, Douglass Memorial Community Church.
Posted inObituaries - Baltimore
Leon Bridges dies at 93
By AFRO Staff The AFRO is saddened to learn of the death of Leon Bridges, who formed his own firm, Leon Bridges AIA, in 1963, and became the first registered African-American architect in the state of Maryland. A wake for Bridges will be held on April 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at March […]
Posted inUncategorized
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, civil, social and economic rights activist, dies at 71
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, a civil and human rights activist, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, and a fixture in the D.C. community, passed away at 71 after a lifetime of fighting for justice and peace.
Posted inNational News
Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. dies at 84
The Rev. Dr. Jesse Jackson Sr., civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has died at 84. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson spent his life fighting for racial, economic and social justice— inspiring generations of leaders and activists.
Posted inDMV News
Deborah Owens, financial educator, author and advocate for women’s wealth, dies at 66
By Special Press Release Deborah Owens, a nationally recognized financial advisor, author, educator, and champion for women’s financial empowerment, died on Jan. 4 at the age of 66. Her passing marks the loss of a powerful voice in the movement to close the wealth gap and equip women, particularly women of color, with the tools […]
Posted inReligion
‘Total Praise’: Smallwood’s signature anthem embodies Jan. 24 celebration of life service
Thousands gathered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland to celebrate the life and legacy of gospel composer and singer Richard Smallwood, honoring the “Maestro” with music, testimony and tributes from faith leaders, artists and public officials. The Jan. 24 service highlighted Smallwood’s enduring impact as a theologically grounded musician whose compositions bridged church, campus and global stages.
Posted inBlack History
Claudette Colvin, who refused to move before the nation was ready, dies at 86
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.
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.
