Eric Wright better known by his stage name Eazy-E and affectionately called ‘The Godfather of Gangsta Rap’ was only 32 years old when he passed…
2. Alvin Ailey 1931-1989
One of America’s greatest dance choreographers, Alvin Ailey, is credited with popularizing modern dance and increasing African-American participation in modern dance concerts. In 1988 he…
3. Franklyn Seales 1952-1990
Born in St. Vincent, Seales is best known for his role on the hit comedy series Silver Spoons. On the show, he played Dexter Stuffins,…
4. Jermaine Stewart 1957-1997
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Jermaine Stewart was an American pop singer. The Columbus, Ohio native’s hits’ include “The Word is Out” and “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes…
5. Kevin Peter Hall 1955-1991
Actor Kevin Peter Hall known for his roles in Misfits of Science, Prophecy, Without Warning, and Harry and the Hendersons. He was also best known…
6. Gia Carangi 1960-1986
One of the hottest supermodels of her time, Gia Carangi appeared on the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. She was also the face of Armani,…
7. Arthur Ashe 1943-1993
Tennis legend, Arthur Ashe, was a World professional tennis player and tennis’s first black millionaire. He was the recipient of Sportsman of the Year award…
8. Larry Riley 1953-1992
Actor and musician Larry Riley, best known for his role in the film “A Soldiers Story” and his character Frank Williams on “Knots Landing,” died…
9. Fela Kuti 1938-1997
A pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti was an international superstar whose politically-conscience music drew the world’s attention to the lingering strains of European colonialism while…
10. Willi Smith 1948-1987
Fashion designer, Willi Smith, known for his “Williwear” clothing line, was one of the industry’s first African-American stars. He pioneered funky “street couture” fashions and…
11. Sharon Redd 1945-1992
Redd was a singer and actress from New York. She starred in an Australian production of the rock musical Hair and sang background vocals for…
12. Pedro Zamora 1972-1994
Pedro became known to the public as a member of The Real World: San Francisco. Becoming the face of HIV/AIDS in the early 1990s, he…
13. David Hampton 1964-2003
As a teenager, David Hampton, earned notoriety in 1983 by charming his way into New York’s white upper crust, presenting himself as the son of…
14. Yvonne Vera 1964-2005
Yvonne Vera was an award-winning author from Zimbabwe. Her novels are known for their poetic prose, difficult subject-matter, and their strong women characters, and are…
15. Freddie Mercury 1946-1991
The lead singer of the popular rock group Queen was only 45 when he died of AIDS. Known for his four-octave range, Mercury was also…
16. Perry Watkins 1948-1996
U.S. Army Sergeant Perry J. Watkins was an openly gay soldier whose long battle to stay in the military led to a victory in 1990…
17. Anthony Perkins 1932-1992
Anthony Perkins received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Friendly Persuasion. Perkins was also a theater actor who received many Tony Award nominations.…
18. Max Robinson 1939-1988
Broadcast journalist and ABC News World News Tonight co-anchor, Max Robinson, was the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States. He…
19. Rick Aviles 1952-1995
Actor and comedian Rick Aviles who hosted ‘It’s Showtime at the Apollo’ and played Willie Lopez in the film ‘Ghost’ contracted HIV through heroin abuse…
20. Robert Reed 1932-1992
He is best known for his role as Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch. The loving and sensible husband and father of six graced our…
