Farewell to Giants: Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Each year, we bid farewell to cherished individuals who influenced society, dismantled boundaries, and left enduring contributions to activism, entertainment, sports, and other fields. Let us remember the actors, musicians, athletes, and cultural celebrities we lost in 2024.

The Black community lamented the passing of several exceptional people in 2024 whose presence, words, and abilities influenced generations.

The following list honors the legacies of Black celebrities who died in 2024.

Honoring Black Celebs That Died in 2024

Young Black Talents We Lost in 2024

• Charming (26) – After reportedly struggling with drug withdrawal, the rising rapper and former musician signed to 1017 Records and passed away on June 11. Young admirers were really saddened by her passing.
• Chance Perdomo, 27, who starred in Gen V and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, lost his life on March 29 in a motorbike accident. He became a rising celebrity due to his personality.
• YouTuber and beauty influencer Jessica Pettway, 36, lost her fight with cervical cancer. Her friendliness and genuineness will always be remembered by her fans.
• Rich Homie Quan, a 33-year-old rapper from Atlanta who wrote songs including “Type of Way,” passed away at home on September 5.
• The sudden deaths of Chris King (32), Khyree Jackson (24), and Jacoby Jones (40), all from the entertainment and sports industries, shocked both families and fans. 

Black Entertainment Legends We Lost in 2024

• James Earl Jones, 93, died on September 9. He was a great actor with a distinctive voice. For many years, Jones was a dominant force in theater and cinema, best known for his famous parts as Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars.
• Quincy Jones (91) – On November 3, the musical mastermind and visionary producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller passed away. Jones’ impact on music is enduring, as seen by his 80 Grammy nominations and partnerships with music icons like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.
• 87-year-old Louis Gossett Jr. passed away on March 29. He was the first Black person to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for An Officer and a Gentleman. He made a lasting impression with his strong performances in Roots, Watchmen, and The Color Purple.
• 90-year-old Bill Cobbs Cobbs, who starred in movies including Night at the Museum and The Bodyguard, died on June 25. He was a mainstay in movies for more than 50 years because of his deep voice and sage demeanor.
• On November 6, Tony Todd, the horror legend better known as Candyman, passed away at the age of 69. Todd gave a sense of gravity to every screen he touched over his more than 100-role career.
• Weathers, Carl (76) Weathers, well known for his role as Apollo Creed in Rocky, passed away on February 1. He was adored by fans of all ages for his parts in Happy Gilmore and The Mandalorian.

Music Stars We Lost in 2024

• On October 7, Cissy Houston, 91, Whitney Houston’s mother and Grammy-winning gospel singer, passed away. She supported legendary musicians like Dionne Warwick and Elvis Presley as a member of The Sweet Inspirations.
• Maze’s lead vocalist, Frankie Beverly (77), who was well-known for hits including “Before I Let Go,” passed away on September 10. His heartfelt voice became the theme music for Black festivities and family get-togethers.
• Fatman Scoop (50): On August 30, the loud-voiced hypeman passed out during a performance. He is renowned for his duets with Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, as well as singles like “Be Faithful.”
• Duke Fakir, 88, passed away on July 22. He was the final original member of the Four Tops, a Motown group that helped define a generation.
• Brother Marquis (58), DJ Mister Cee (57), and rapper Saafir (54), all of whom made distinctive contributions to hip-hop history, also departed.

Icons of Activism and Black History That Died in 2024

• The poet, educator, and founder of the Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni, died on December 9. With her unreserved voice and Black pride, she inspired generations with her more than 25 published works.
• King, Dexter (62) Dexter was an independent civil rights fighter and the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On January 22, he passed away from prostate cancer.
• 95-year-old James Lawson Jr. Lawson, a leader in nonviolent protest and a mentor to MLK Jr. passed away on June 9. The approach of the Civil Rights Movement was influenced by his ideas.
• Dorie Ladner (81), a member of the SNCC and a well-known participant in the civil rights marches of the 1960s, passed away on March 11 following COVID-19 problems.
• Lee, Sheila Jackson, 74 On July 22, the vocal Texas U.S. Representative passed away. She was a fervent supporter of Black communities and a regular voice in Congress.

Black Athletes We Lost in 2024 

• Willie Mays (93), well known as “The Say Hey Kid,” died on June 18. One of the most thrilling athletes to have set foot on the diamond, he was a two-time MVP.
• Dikembe Mutombo, 58, a philanthropist and Hall of Fame NBA center, passed away on September 30 following a battle with brain cancer. His famous finger wag will never be forgotten.
• The MLB Hall of Famer and king of base-stealing, Rickey Henderson, 65, passed away on December 20 following a fight with pneumonia.
• We lost several NFL luminaries in 2024, including Ronald Powell (32), Jimmy Johnson (86), and Larry Allen (53).

Final Words

The voices of emerging stars and cultural pioneers that influenced the Black experience were silenced in 2024.

A legacy of achievement, resilience, and inspiration was left behind by these Black celebs that died in 2024. We will keep honoring their achievements and preserving their legacies as we consider their influence. Rest in Power.

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