We love our Black celebrities. Period. No matter how famous they get or how big the stages become, there’s always a different kind of pride that comes with seeing Black folks win. It feels personal…like their success is proof that we can make it too, that our stories matter, and that our voices deserve to be heard on the biggest platforms possible. We root harder, celebrate louder, and feel more connected because their journeys often mirror our own struggles, dreams, and come-ups.
That’s exactly why it hurts so much when we lose them. These aren’t just entertainers, athletes, or public figures, they’re cultural markers. They’re the songs that got us through hard times, the roles that made us feel seen, the moments that inspired us to aim higher. When someone who helped shape the culture is gone, it feels like a piece of our collective memory leaves with them. It reminds us how fragile life is, even for the people who seem larger than life.
So when the culture was rocked by the losses of heavyweights like Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, D’Angelo, George Foreman, Assata Shakur, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. last year, it shook us to the core. Figures who gave us timeless music, unforgettable performances, historic achievements, and revolutionary energy reminded us just how deep Black excellence runs. At the same time, those losses sparked something else: motivation. Motivation to keep building, keep creating, and keep pushing our own legacies forward in ways that would make them proud.
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Honoring our legends isn’t just about reposts or tributes, though those matter too. It’s about how we move, how we show up, and how we pour into the future. Still, giving people their flowers—loudly and often—is necessary. The same love we show while they’re here should echo just as strongly when they’re gone. Remembering them is painful, but celebrating their lives, their impact, and their contributions helps soften that hurt.
Thinking about the greats we lost in 2026 is heavy, no doubt. But one way to ease that weight is by highlighting the incredible lives they lived and the doors they opened for generations to come. With that being said, here is a list of the notable Black people who have died in 2026—gone, but never forgotten.
NOTABLE BLACK FOLKS WHO DIED IN 2026
Shirley Raines
Shirley Raines—fondly known as “Ms. Shirley”—was a beloved activist, social media creator, and nonprofit founder whose life was rooted in compassion and dignity for others. She used her massive platform to bring food, hygiene supplies, beauty services, and hope to people living on Skid Row and other unhoused communities, greeting those she served with respect and warmth. Driven in part by her own personal pain, she turned grief into purpose and made millions around the world see the humanity in people often overlooked. Raines’ legacy of love, service, and advocacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the movement she helped fuel.
Lowell “Sly” Dunbar
Lowell “Sly” Dunbar was a legendary drummer and one-half of the iconic duo Sly & Robbie, whose sound helped define reggae and Caribbean music on a global scale. His rhythms powered countless classics, influencing generations of artists across reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and pop. More than just a musician, Sly was an innovator whose style reshaped how drums were heard and felt in modern music. His legacy lives on in the timeless records he helped create and the undeniable imprint he left on the culture worldwide.
Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson was a former NFL player whose life reflected both the highs and complexities that often come with professional sports. Known for his athleticism and time in the league, he represented a generation of Black athletes who reached the highest level through discipline and sacrifice. Beyond the field, his story reminded many of the pressures athletes face once the lights dim. Kevin Johnson’s legacy lives on as part of the broader conversation around sports, identity, and life after football.
Dr. Gerald Deas
Dr. Gerald Deas was a respected physician and community figure whose work centered on healing, advocacy, and uplifting Black lives. Throughout his career, he was known for his commitment to service, mentorship, and making quality healthcare more accessible. His presence extended beyond medicine, touching families and communities in meaningful ways. Dr. Deas leaves behind a legacy rooted in care, purpose, and the lasting impact of helping others live better lives.
Claudette Colvin
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Claudette Colvin was a quiet giant of the Civil Rights Movement whose bravery changed history long before the world was ready to celebrate it. As a teenager, she stood up against segregation with courage well beyond her years, laying groundwork for the progress that followed. Though her name wasn’t always centered, her impact was undeniable and foundational. Claudette Colvin’s legacy is a reminder that real change often starts with bold acts from those the world underestimates.
John Forté
John Forté was a creative force whose contributions to music and culture extended far beyond the spotlight. Known for his artistry, lyricism, and behind-the-scenes influence, he helped shape moments and movements that still resonate today. His work reflected depth, intention, and a commitment to authenticity that never chased trends. John Forté’s legacy lives on through the art he created and the culture he helped push forward.
T.K. Carter
Thomas Kent Carter was a veteran actor whose decades-long career quietly but powerfully shaped film and television, earning him a lasting place in Black Hollywood history. Best known for his role as Nauls in The Thing, Carter brought depth, relatability, and authenticity to every character he touched, whether in cult-classic films or beloved TV shows like Punky Brewster or The Steve Harvey Show. He was the definition of a working actor—consistent, respected, and deeply woven into the fabric of the culture. T.K. Carter’s legacy lives on through the countless roles that introduced generations to his talent and reminded us that longevity is its own kind of greatness.
Elle Simone Scott
Elle Simone Scott was a trailblazing TV chef, author, and food media personality who broke barriers as a prominent face in a space where Black women were rarely seen. Beyond the kitchen, she was a fierce advocate for representation, mentorship, and community, constantly using her platform to uplift others. Her transparency, creativity, and passion made her more than a chef—she was a cultural voice. Her impact lives on in the doors she opened and the people she inspired to take up space unapologetically.
Dr. Janell Green-Smith
Dr. Janell Green-Smith, widely known as the “Loc’d Midwife,” was a respected nurse-midwife and tireless advocate for Black maternal health. She dedicated her life to ensuring Black mothers were heard, protected, and given the quality care they deserve. Her work exposed systemic issues in healthcare while offering real solutions rooted in compassion and community. Dr. Green-Smith’s legacy continues to fuel conversations and action on maternal justice and the saving of Black lives.
