Former U.S. Rep. John Conyers, one of the longest-serving members of Congress whose stance on civil rights made him a political institution in Washington and in Detroit died this year at the age of 90. He was known as the dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he helped found, Conyers became one of only six Black House members when he won his first election by just 108 votes in 1964. The race was the beginning of more than 50 years of election dominance. Throughout his career, Conyers used his influence to push civil rights. After a 15-year fight, he won passage of legislation declaring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s birthday a national holiday, first celebrated in 1986. He regularly introduced a bill starting in 1989 to study the harm caused by slavery and the possibility of reparations for slaves’ descendants. That bill never got past a House subcommittee. Conyers, among the high-profile politicians toppled by sex harassment allegations in 2017, died at his home on a Sunday, said Detroit police spokesman Cpl. Dan Donakowski.
Former Los Angeles Sentinel Managing Editor, Yussuf J. Simmonds, passed away after several years of battling health challenges. Simmonds, who has worked with Los Angeles Sentinel Executive Publisher, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. dating back to the days when Danny Sr. was the president of The Brotherhood Crusade, was a highly respected journalist, an artist and devoted member of the Nation of Islam. As managing editor of the Sentinel, Simmonds became known as a serious journalist, who interviewed several of Los Angeles’ top political and community leaders as well as in depth stories on the challenges of those living here locally.
Willie Brown established the bump-and-run style of defense the Raiders used for decades, provided the iconic play in Oakland’s first Super Bowl title, and impacted nearly every player who suited up for the team over the past half-century. Al Davis acquired Brown for the Raiders in a trade from Denver in 1967 in one of the best moves he made during his Hall of Fame career running the Raiders. Brown went on to have a brilliant career with Oakland, highlighted by his 75-yard interception return for a touchdown against Minnesota that helped the Raiders win their first Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He was an assistant coach for the Raiders from 1979-88, was head coach at Long Beach State in 1991, coached at Jordan High School in 1994 and returned to the Raiders when they moved back to Oakland in 1995 as director of staff development. Brown was a regular presence around the team during that time, working with defensive backs like Rod Woodson, Charles Woodson and Nnamdi Asomugha and in more recent years announcing the team’s picks during the annual NFL draft. The Hall of Fame cornerback who helped fuel the Raiders’ success during 12 years on the field before becoming an integral part of the franchise during his post-playing career died after a battle with cancer. He was 78.
Toni Morrison was a pioneer of modern literature. In 1964, she became an editor at Random House and one of the few Black women in publishing. Over the next 20 years, she would work with emerging fiction authors such as Gayl Jones and Toni Cade Bambara, on a memoir by Muhammad Ali and books by such activists as Angela Davis and Black Panther, Huey Newton. A special project was editing “The Black Book,” a collection of everything from newspaper advertisements to song lyrics that anticipated her immersion in the everyday lives of the past. She was nearly 40 when her first novel, “The Bluest Eye,” was published. By her early 60s, after just six novels, she had become the first Black woman to receive the Nobel literature prize, praised in 1993 by the Swedish academy for her “visionary force” and for delving into “language itself, a language she wants to liberate” from categories of Black and White. In 1988, she won the Pulitzer Prize for “Beloved.” Publisher Alfred A. Knopf says Morrison died on a Monday night at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She was 88.
Sterling Tucker was a prominent American civil rights activist and Washington, D.C. politician. He was the first chair of the District of Columbia City Council and ran for mayor in 1978. He was defeated by Marion Barry by 1,500 votes. Tucker was an active part of the Poor People’s Campaign and organized Solidarity Day, a 50,000 member protest in Washington D.C. on June 19, 1969. He worked alongside Reverend Abernathy and Coretta Scott King in what was the first formal activist effort to bring economic justice for African Americans. Tucker served on the first District of Columbia City Council from 1969 to 1974, as home rule was established and served one term. He was also chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. During the early 80s he began a consulting firm called Sterling Tucker and Associates and in 1990 was chairman of the American Diabetes Association. He passed away on July 14, in Washington, D.C.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was a hometown hero as a result of his innovation in entrepreneurship, activism, and philanthropy, who was anchored by humble beginnings. He was 33 and viewed by many in South L.A., as a messiah in the hood, promoting entrepreneurship and leading the people to a better way. Hussle released a number of successful mixtapes that he sold out of the trunk of his car, helping him create a buzz and gain respect from the hip hop community and his peers. In 2010, he placed on hip-hop magazine XXL’s “Freshman Class of 2010” — a coveted list for up-and-coming hip-hop acts — alongside J. Cole Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa and others. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Hussle and rapper YG released the protest song “FDT,” short for ” (Expletive) Donald Trump.” He later hit a new peak with “Victory Lap,” his critically acclaimed major-label debut album on Atlantic Records that made several best-of lists last year, from Billboard magazine to Complex. The album debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s 200 albums charts and featured collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, CeeLo Green and more. Hussle was fatally shot at his Marathon clothing store he founded to help rebuild the South Los Angeles community.
Leah Chase grew up during the Jim Crow era, which prevented her from continuing her education, which led to her moving to New Orleans to finish high school, living with her aunt. Chase worked as a waitress in the French Quarter, in a segregated city, where White people dined in fancy restaurants. In 1946, she married the owner of a street corner sandwich and lottery ticket stand, Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr. and their union gave them four children. The family restaurant had been open for five years, but Chase wanted to bring a fine dining experience to the Black community much like what she observed in the Quarter. As she introduced silverware, tablecloths and Creole dishes, history was being made as her vision brought the white-tablecloth restaurant experience to Black patrons. Chase broke the segregation laws by seating White and Black customers within her restaurant and putting Southern Louisiana Creole cuisine on the map. Chase’s restaurant holds a pivotal place in history in being a gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement, when interracial groups publicly met to discuss strategies. She received a New Orleans sendoff: warm reminiscences and mourning mixed with a Mardi Gras-style celebration of her life. Fellow chefs, musicians, family and friends were among hundreds who filed through a New Orleans church to pay last respects. She died June 1 at age 96.
Kristoff St. John played Neil Winters on the CBS soap opera, “The Young & The Restless” since 1991, earning nine daytime Emmy nominations. He won a Daytime Emmy in 1992 for outstanding younger actor in a drama series and won 10 NAACP Image Awards. St. John and his ex-wife, boxer Mia St. John, lost their son, Julian, when he took his own life in 2014 while getting treatment at a mental health facility, who was in his mid-20s. St. John became an advocate for mental health awareness as a result of his loss. The actor, who played the struggling alcoholic and ladies’ man Neil Winters for 27 years, St. John was found dead at his home Feb. 3 2019, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The results of an autopsy indicated the cause of death was “hypertrophic heart disease,” the coroner’s office reported.
Over the past two decades, Kam Williams gained notoriety for his film reviews and celebrity interviews for over 100 publications around the world, ranging from local papers such as Princeton’s Town Topics and the MSR to international news chain Metro and review site RottenTomatoes.com. Williams also wrote countless book reviews and editorials, as well as a novel that will be published posthumously later this year. His work ethic and glowing journalistic reputation led to extensive work interviewing celebrities associated with upcoming film and book releases, including Quentin Tarantino, Denzel Washington, Mel Brooks, Russell Simmons, LeBron James, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, among many others. Williams was also a staunch supporter of civil rights-related causes, publishing countless op-eds on the topic and later joined the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee. Williams was a long-time Sentinel contributing film critic and literary writer, who enjoyed a nearly 22-year career as a writer, passed away May 30 from prostate cancer. He was 66-years-old.
Actor-comedian John Witherspoon, who memorably played Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” films, died at the age 77 this year. The actor had a prolific career, co-starring in three “Friday” films, appearing on “The Wayans Bros.” television series and voicing the grandfather in “The Boondocks” animated series. His film roles included “Vampire in Brooklyn” and “Boomerang,” and he was a frequent guest on “Late Show with David Letterman.”
John Singleton is most widely known for his Oscar-nominated South Central tale, “Boyz n the Hood.” The 1991 movie, which Roger Ebert called “one of the best American films of the time,” was deemed “culturally significant” by the U.S. Library of Congress and was entered into its National Film Registry in 2002. After “Boyz n the Hood,” Singleton’s filmography made Hollywood take notice of his abilities to direct and write stories that impacted the narratives around Black culture, hip-hop and urban life. Following his debut, he wrote and directed “Poetic Justice,” starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson. His 1995 film “Higher Learning” starred Omar Epps and rapper Ice Cube who made his acting debut in “Boyz n the Hood.” Singleton’s recent projects include the FX TV series “Snowfall,” a crime drama set in 1980s Los Angeles. The director fell into a coma at a Los Angeles hospital eight days after suffering a major stroke. Singleton’s family says that he quietly suffered from hypertension. He passed away peacefully with family and friends at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 51.
Jessye Norman was a renowned international opera star whose passionate soprano voice won her four Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honor. Norman was a trailblazing performer, and one of the rare Black singers to attain worldwide stardom in the opera world, performing at such revered houses like La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, and singing title roles in works like “Carmen,” ″Aida” and more. She sang the works of Wagner, but was not limited to opera or classical music, performing songs by Duke Ellington and others as well. She died from septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she suffered in 2015. She died at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York, and was surrounded by loved ones. She was 74.
James Ingram was born on Feb. 16, 1952, and raised in Akron, Ohio. After high school, he later moved to Los Angeles and began his musical career. His rich and soulful vocals ruled the R&B and Pop charts in the 80’s and 90’s. He was discovered by Quincy Jones on a demo for the hit, “Just Once,” written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, which he sang for $50. He went on record hits, “Just Once,” “One Hundred Ways,” “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” a duet with Patti Austin and “Yah Mo B There,” a duet with Michael McDonald. One of his milestone writing credits was with Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson’s 1983 Top 10 hit “P.Y.T.” (Pretty Young Thing). Ingram was a two-time Grammy Award-winner and a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song. Ingram also had television and motion picture success with his vocal and writing talents with “Baby Come to Me” another duet with Austin, which reached #1 on the charts in February, 1983 after the hit soap opera “General Hospital” coined it the love song for Luke and Holly. Ingram later had serval motion picture hits, his biggest being “Somewhere Out There,” a duet with Linda Ronstadt for the animated feature “An American Tail.” More than a musical wonder, James Ingram was also a loving husband, beloved father and family man. Even more, he had a brotherly love for his people and his community. Ingram died on January 29, 2019, from brain cancer at age 66, in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Debra, whom he married in 1975; his children, and a host of family, friends and fans.
Georgia Von Noble achievements were groundbreaking. During her time, historically there were few Black models in haute couture, but she persisted and went on to experience a long-term career as a fashion model. Her talent took her to the major fashion houses and center throughout the world (Dior, Yves saint Laurent, Givency, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin , Willie Smith, Bill Blass, Ben Kahn Furs, to name a few.) She modeled and worked in the fashion industry until she was 75-years-old. Von Noble was featured in many magazine articles over the years including: “Essence,” “Self,” “Ebony,” etc. and she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show as a “timeless beauty.” A tribute to Georgia Von Noble and acknowledgement of her impact on the fashion industry was given at the Flair “All White” Jazz Brunch (Ebony Fashion Alum). Certificates were presented to her son Lamont Evans from Congresswoman Karen Bass and Councilman Curren Price. She passed away June 11, 2019.
Frank Robinson is one of the most groundbreaking figures in MLB history. He heavily impacted the integration of Black players into the league. Nearly a decade after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1946, Robinson broke into the majors earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1956 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. The then 20-year-old’s accomplishments were filled with adversity that included receiving death threats and racist taunts, yet his determination and talent would not be denied. Robinson became the first player in baseball history to win MVP awards in both the National League with the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 and the American League in 1966 with the Baltimore Orioles. Over the course of his playing career, Robinson won two World Series titles in 1966 and 1970; he made 14 All-Star game appearances and currently ranks tenth on the all-time home run list with 586. In 1974, Robinson continued to create milestones after being hired as the first Black manager in the MLB by the Cleveland Indians while he was still an active player. Robinson then became the first Black manager in the National League with the San Francisco Giants in 1981. The following season, Robinson guided the Giants into playoff contention. Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a Baltimore Oriole in 1982. His number, No. 20, is retired by the Reds, Orioles and Giants’ organizations. He went on to manage the Orioles and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals. Robinson died at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with bone cancer.
Novelist Ernest J. Gaines, whose childhood on a small Louisiana plantation influenced stories of Black struggles that grew into universal tales of grace and beauty, died this year at the age of 86. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, which sponsors a literary award in Gaines’ honor, confirmed he died in his sleep of cardiac arrest at his home in Oscar, Louisiana. The author of eight books, Gaines was born on a plantation in Pointe Coupee Parish. His first writing experience was writing letters for illiterate workers who asked him to embellish their news to far-off relatives. Bayonne, the setting for Gaines’ fiction, was actually New Roads, Louisiana, which Gaines left for California when he was 15. Although books were denied him throughout his childhood because of Louisiana’s strict segregation, which extended even to libraries, he found the life surrounding him rich enough to recollect in story after story through exact and vivid detail. Some of his books include “Of Love and Dust” (1967), “Bloodline” (1968), “A Long Day in November” (1971), and “In My Father’s House” (1978). Among his numerous awards, Gaines received prestigious grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller and Guggenheim Foundations. He held honorary doctorates from five colleges and universities.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and a titan of the U.S. Congress, Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7), died on a Thursday morning. He was 68. The recipient of 13 honorary doctoral degrees, Cummings dedicated his life of service to uplifting and empowering the people he was sworn to represent, according to his biography. He began his career in public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years, becoming the first African American in Maryland history to ascend to the position of Speaker Pro Tem. Since 1996, Cummings has represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Cummings was committed to ensuring that the next generation has access to quality healthcare and education, clean air and water, and a strong economy defined by fiscal responsibility. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the congressman’s wife and chairman of the Maryland Democratic Committee, said her husband’s death resulted from complications concerning longstanding health challenges.
Earl C. Paysinger, former Los Angeles Police Department ranking officer and bridge builder between law enforcement and the Black community has died. Several news sources are reporting that he died from lung cancer at the age of 64. Paysinger served the citizens of Los Angeles for 41 years, focusing on crime prevention and community engagement as his ultimate priorities. While pursuing his mandate of crime reduction, Paysinger quickly learned that fostering community trust was equally if not more important in achieving crime reductions. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to the positive improvements of Los Angeles’ communities as well as developing its youth. Serving as the first assistant chief for the Los Angeles Police Department, Paysinger was the director of the office of operations under both Beck and former Chief William Bratton. Through his leadership of the men and woman who patrol the communities, his crime reduction strategies resulted in the lowering of crime throughout the city that had not been seen since the 1950s. After the LAPD, Paysinger held a position at the University of Southern California as the vice president for civic engagement.
Diahann Carroll, the Oscar-nominated actress and singer who won critical acclaim as the first Black woman to star in a non-servant role in a TV series as “Julia,” died of cancer at the age of 84. During her long career, Carroll earned a Tony Award for the musical “No Strings” and an Academy Award nomination for “Claudine.” But she was perhaps best known for her pioneering work on “Julia.” Carroll played Julia Baker, a nurse whose husband had been killed in Vietnam, in the groundbreaking situation comedy that aired from 1968 to 1971. She was the first to star as someone other than a servant. In the 1980s, she appeared in the long-running prime-time soap opera “Dynasty” for three years. More recently, she had a number of guest shots and small roles in TV series, including playing the mother of Isaiah Washington’s character, Dr. Preston Burke, on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Darren Parker was president of the California Democratic Party’s African American Caucus and a decades-long political activist and assistant to multiple Assembly Speakers. A longtime Antelope Valley resident by way of Compton, Parker told the Sentinel that he got his start in politics at the age of eleven with his brother and three cousins by starting a club in his grandmother’s house in Compton called One Hundred Thousand Students for the Freedom of South Africa. He had been elected to chair the African American Caucus of the California Democratic Party for the past 10 years–5 consecutive terms. Parker died after a battle with esophageal cancer.
Bernard Tyson was the first African American to head Kaiser Permanente as CEO when he took that position in 2013, after filling a number of roles over three decades at the company. Tyson, who worked at Kaiser Permanente for more than 30 years in roles including hospital administrator and chief operating officer, had been on Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people and one of the “Health Care 50.” Oakland, California-based Kaiser Permanente grew under Tyson’s leadership from 9.1 million members and 174,000 employees to 12.3 million members and 218,000 employees, according to the company. Its network of 17,000 physicians grew to 23,000, and annual revenue increased from $53 billion to more than $82.8 billion. Tyson also was on the boards of the American Heart Association and Salesforce. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and deputy chairman of the Americas of the International Federation of Health Plans. Tyson died unexpectedly at the age of 60 in November 2019.
Andrew “Boobie” LaVelle Price II was a well-known hip-hop artist in Los Angeles and went by the alias,’ Deviossi and Young Saprano. Price experienced commercial success with the rap group Da Hood, presented by rap star, Mack 10 in the early 2000’s. Price was also featured on Mack 10’s hit single “The Testimony,” where he sang the melodic hook. Price released several independent projects over the years. In early November 2019, Price released an independent LP titled “Elevated.” Price died after being fatally shot in Gardena over the holiday weekend. He was 36-years-old and a father of three children.
Rev. Dr. Edward V. Hill II, the pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church, passed away suddenly on August 12, at the age of 52. A native of Los Angeles, Hill found his passion early in the church. Hill, the son of famed preacher/evangelist E.V. Hill — once honored by Time Magazine as one of the seven most outstanding preachers in the United States and by Ebony Magazine as one of the 15 greatest black preachers — had forged success in his own right and was a frequent speaker at churches around the country.
