2020 Sunsets: Recognizing those that passed
December 31, 2020
This year, we said goodbye to friends, family and loved ones. The sun has set for them but we will always remember them in love and joy.
Breaking News
- L.A. Sentinel and FACE Leaders Unite to ‘Stop the Hate’ Crimes in Los Angeles
- Fathers and Mothers Who Care Host 12th Annual Toy Giveaway in Compton
- Community in Shock and Disbelief Over Allegations Regarding Deputy Mayor Brian K. Williams
- LACMA Showcases ‘Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics’ Exhibit
- Sheenway School and Culture Center — Educating Youth to Lead the Future Over 50 Years
- Record-Breaking Hate Crimes Against Black Angelenos on the Rise
- Los Angeles Rams and LAPD Spread Holiday Cheer with Annual Sleigh Ride
- Heather Hutt Sworn-in as Councilwoman for L.A.’s 10th District
- Visit Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza for Holiday Photos with Santa
- Homeless and Their Advocates Speak Out in New Film, ‘WE, the Vulnerable of LA’
- The Congressman Wore Sneakers: An Evening With Hakeem Jeffries
- Brotherhood Crusade Honors SEIU President April Verrett at 2024 Pioneer of African American Achievement Award Dinner
- USC Men’s Basketball Wins Fourth Straight; Beats Southern University 82-51
- Deadly Violence in Nigeria Linked to Breakup of United Methodist Church Over LGBTQ Policies
- Black Denomination Upholds Stance Against Same-Sex Marriage. A Gay Pastor in its Ranks Seeks Change
- California Cannot Afford to Ignore Its Water Crisis
Celebration of Life
Boston Celtics Hall of Famer K.C. Jones dies at 88
December 29, 2020
Basketball Hall of Famer K.C. Jones, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion who won eight straight NBA titles during the Celtics’ Bill Russell era and then coached the Boston teams with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to two more championships in the 1980s, has died. He was 88.
Charley Pride, a country music Black superstar, dies at 86
December 17, 2020
Charley Pride, one of country music’s first Black superstar whose rich baritone on such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” helped sell millions of records and made him the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died. He was 86.
Iconic Actor and Noted Athlete Tommy ‘Deebo’ Lister, Found Dead in Marina Del Rey Residence
December 17, 2020
Known for his iconic character “Deebo” in the Cube Vision production series “Friday” Tommy Lister died on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Lister lived a colorful life, crossing entertainment lines as a pro-wrestler to a noted actor, the 275-pound performing artist was known as the “Gentle Giant,” to all his fans and loved ones.
Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, who played Deebo in ‘Friday,’ dies
December 10, 2020
Tommy “Tiny” Lister, a former professional wrestler who was known for his bullying Deebo character in the “Friday” films, has died. He was 62. Lister’s manager, Cindy Cowan, said he was found unconscious in his home in Marina Del Rey, California, on Thursday afternoon. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Cowan said Lister was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this year. She said the actor overcame the virus, but he became sick about a week ago and recently had trouble breathing. The cause of death has not been released, and the coroner’s office is investigating. “He was a gentle giant,”
Congresswoman Waters’ Statement in Memory of Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings
December 10, 2020
“My deepest sympathies are extended to the people of Ghana upon the death of former President Jerry Rawlings.”
IN MEMORIAM: David Dinkins, New York’s First and Only Black Mayor, Dies at 93
December 10, 2020
Dinkins was viewed as a compromise candidate during a time of turmoil in New York. Elected a year after the infamous 1989 “Central Park jogger” incident that led to the wrongful convictions of five Black and Hispanic boys, Dinkins proved to be a cautious and stoic figure who was a competent caretaker of the city, including its many fiscal, social and political challenges. Dinkins’ administration followed that of one of New York City’s most storied politicians, Ed Koch.
‘B.A.P.S’ Movie Sensation Natalie Desselle Reid Passes Away at 53—Hollywood Grieves Her Absence From The Stage
December 7, 2020
Natalie Desselle Reid at 53 years old passes away from colon cancer on December 7, her manager Delores Robinson announced the news Monday afternoon, It was a private battle she was facing with the support of her husband Leonard Reid and three children that she leaves memories of priceless family time with.
Remembering Walter Scott Hawkins, Data Researcher, Scholar and Black Students Advocate
December 3, 2020
Walter Scott Hawkins was a California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) administrator for 33 years where he was a champion of providing minority students the tools they needed to succeed academically. Hawkins passed away on Nov. 18. He was 72 years old.
Olympic Gold Medalist, UCLA Legend Rafer Johnson Dead at 86
December 2, 2020
Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, who lit the torch at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to open the 1984 Summer Games, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks. He was 86.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Torch Lit in Honor of Rafer Johnson
December 2, 2020
Today, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who serves as the President of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, announced that the Coliseum’s Torch has been lit in honor of Rafer Johnson, the famed decathlete and actor who passed away today in his Sherman Oaks home.
REV JESSE JACKSON LAMENTS THE PASSING OF GHANA’S FORMER PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS
November 19, 2020
It is with profound sadness and shock to learn about the passing of my dear friend and brother, H.E. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Ghana. I had the opportunity to work with brother Rawlings during his presidency while I was the U.S. Special Envoy for Africa and he played a vital role in restoring peace in West Africa especially during the Minor River crisis (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone).
Life Celebration Set for Marva Harris
November 19, 2020
A lifelong love of God, music and art characterized the wonderful and insightful life of Marva Jean Harris, who passed away in Los Angeles on October 8, 2020. She was 78-years-old.
Bobby Brown Jr., Son of Bobby Brown, Dies In Encino
November 18, 2020
Bobby Brown Jr., the 28-year-old son of singer Bobby Brown, died today in Encino, police said.
Celebration of Life: Donald R. Henderson
November 12, 2020
In Loving Memory of Donald R. Henderson, MD, MPH