Six Black Actors Who Died Tragically in 2024 That You Don't Know About

in 2024 the world quietly said goodbye to several remarkable figures from the black community people whose contributions shaped history culture and Society in ways that are often overlooked from athletes to entertainers to politicians these individuals Left Behind legacies that continue to resonate even if their passing didn't make the front page in this video we'll take a moment to honor the lives and lasting impact of six influential people whose deaths may have slipped under the radar but whose stories are too important to forget their Journeys may not have grabbed headlines but their legacies live on and

it's time we remember them number one Joe Bryant Joe Bryant born on October 19th 1954 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania was more than just a former NBA player he was a Trailblazer a coach and perhaps most famously the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant from an early age Joe was captivated by basketball he honed his skills at John Bartram high school before earning a spot at Lal University where he made a name for himself as a standout player at 6'9 in Joe was known for his versatility on the court able to play both forward and Center a

skill set that made him a valuable asset to any team in 1975 Joe's Talent was recognized when he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 14th pick in the NBA draft but his journey would soon take him to the Philadelphia 76ers where he truly began his professional career over the course of his8 season NBA run Joe played for several teams including the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets while he may not have been a household name Joe was respected for his commitment and energy always giving his best as a reliable role player

in 1983 seeking new challenges Joe made a bold move to Italy where he played in the country's professional basketball league it was there surrounded by the rich culture of Italy that Joe's family especially his son Kobe would be deeply influenced Kobe growing up immersed in the Italian way of life would later credit those years for sparking his own Love of Basketball after retiring from playing Joe shifted gears and turned to coaching he started in Italy before returning to the US to coach in various leagues including the WNBA where he led the Los Angeles Sparks Joe

also coached internationally leaving his Mark in places like Japan and Thailand helping to grow the game of basketball around the world his deep basketball knowledge combined with his passion for the game made him a respected figure in the sport most importantly Joe's guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Kobe's career he taught his son the fundamentals instead instilled a Relentless work ethic and in many ways laid the foundation for Kobe's legendary path to Greatness Joe Bryant's influence reached far beyond his time on the basketball court as the father of Kobe Bryant he was a key

figure in a family that became synonymous with basketball greatness Kobe always spoke about how much his father shaped him not just as a player but as a person Joe's impact on Kobe's life went far beyond the lessons of basketball it was about instilling a sense of discipline dedication and a deep love for the game through his own Journey Joe laid the groundwork for the success that Kobe would later achieve inspiring millions of basketball fans around the world he wasn't just a father he was a mentor who helped raise a generational Talent Joe's role in shaping

Kobe's career only magnified his own legacy with fans and athletes everywhere recognizing the lessons of hard work and perseverance he passed down Joe Bryant passed away on July 15th 2024 at the age of 69 while the official cause of death was not disclosed the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Joe had recently suffered a major stroke his passing may have flown under the radar for some but for those who understood his impact his loss was deeply felt number two era Ash Erica Ash was more than just an actress she was a force in entertainment a singer comedian

and model who made her mark across TV film and Stage born on September 19th 1977 in Florida Erica's journey to stardom wasn't the typical one initially she set her sights on a career in medicine planning to attend medical school but everything changed after a life-changing trip to Japan where she was inspired to pursue modeling and singing instead that shift sparked a passion for entertainment that would turn into a vibrant multifaceted career Erica's Big Break came when she joined the cast of Mad TV where her quick wit and versatility made her a standout whether playing eccentric

characters or delivering sharp comedic sketches she quickly became known for her ability to bring humor to life in unique ways her success on Mad TV LED to bigger opportunities including roles in Tyler Perry's the big happy family and the Stars series survivors remorse where she portrayed Mary Charles M Chuck Callaway her performance earned critical praise for its depth and authenticity showing her range as both a comedic and dramatic actress Erica also appeared in films like Scary Movie 5 and Uncle Drew further solidifying her place in Hollywood but Erica Ash's impact went beyond her roles as

a black woman in an industry that often struggles with diversity Erica used her platform to break down barriers she portrayed complex empowered women who challenged stereotypes and brought much needed visibility to black actresses in leading roles her work wasn't just about entertainment it was about representation pushing boundaries and offering a voice to women who often go unheard offscreen Erica was a passionate advocate for social change supporting causes related to health education and racial Justice she understood the power of her platform and used it to raise awareness and make a positive impact her activism and commitment

to making the world a better place inspired countless fans and young actors to be true to themselves an aim for greatness tragically Erica Ash passed away in July of 2024 at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer her loss left a void in the entertainment world but her Legacy both on and off the screen continues to inspire and uplift others ensuring her influence will be felt for years to come number three Abdul fakir Abdul Duke fakir born on December 26th 1935 in Detroit Michigan was a true Pioneer in American Music best known as

one of the founding members of the legendary mtown group The Four Tops growing up in a multicultural family with Ethiopian and Bangladeshi Roots Abdul faced his fair share of challenges but music became his Refuge it was in high school that he met future bandmates Levi stubs Ronaldo Obi Benson and Lawrence pyton and together they formed a group initially called the four AES in 1963 they signed with mtown records and the world was introduced to the Four Tops a name that would soon become iconic as the first tenor of the group Abdul faker's voice was Central

to the Four Tops unmistakable sound which Blended Soul RnB and pop in a way that few could match their breakthrough hits including I can't help myself sugarpie Honey Bunch reach out I'll be there and baby I need your loving became anthems of the 1960s defining the mtown era and solidifying the for Toops place in music history fak's smooth adoring tenor voice was key to the group's signature style and their emotionally charged performances made them one of the most successful and enduring acts of the time but the Four Tops were more than just a musical sensation

they were a symbol of unity and resilience during a time of racial segregation and social unrest in the United States their music transcended racial lines drawing audiences from all walks of life Abdul Faker known for his humility and dedication used his platform to speak out against racial Injustice and support the Civil Rights causes in a time when music and activism often intertwined the four Toops work resonated far beyond entertainment it became a tool for change bridging divides during the Civil Rights Movement as the last surviving original member of the for Toops Abdul fakir continued to

perform well into his 80s carrying the group's Legacy with him every step of the way his contributions to music and Society were immeasurable sadly Abdul fakir passed away on July 22nd 2024 at the age of 88 at his home in Detroit due to heart failure though he is no longer with us his voice his passion for justice and his lasting impact on the world of music will never be forgotten number four Sheila Jackson Lee Sheila Jackson Lee was a trail Las ER in American politics serving as the US Representative for Texas's 18th congressional district since

1995 born on January 12th 1950 in Queens New York Sheila grew up in a family that placed a strong emphasis on education and public service after graduating from Yale University in 1972 she went on to earn her law degree from the University of Virginia school of law in 1975 before making her Mark in Congress she served as a municipal judge and was an influential member of the Houston city council where she became known for her Fierce advocacy on issues like civil rights health care and education in Washington Sheila Jackson Lee quickly became one of the

most vocal and prominent figures in Congress serving on the house Judiciary and Homeland Security committees she focused on championing civil liberties IM migration reform voting rights and criminal justice she was a passionate advocate for Health Care reform fiercely defending the Affordable Care Act and pushing for greater access to Affordable Health Care her commitment to women's rights Criminal Justice Reform and efforts to combat gun violence were cornerstones of her political career Sheila also worked tirelessly on legislation to prevent domestic violence and address mental health challenges always fighting for the underserved and underrepresented her impact was undeniable

throughout her career Sheila Jackson Lee became a powerful voice for equality always standing up for vulnerable communities especially African-Americans she was a tireless advocate for racial Justice addressing disparities in health care education and the criminal justice system one of her most notable contributions was her steadfast defense of voting rights including her push to restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act Sheila also became a key figure in disaster relief efforts playing a vital role in securing federal aid for Houston following the devastation of hurricane Harvey in 2017 in July 2024 at the age of 74

Sheila Jackson Lee passed away while still serving in office after a battle with pancreatic cancer her death marked the end of an era in Texas politics ICS but her Legacy the lives she touched the causes she fought for and the change she helped create will never be forgotten Sheila Jackson Lee was more than a politician she was a champion for justice and equality whose work continues to inspire generations to come number five Bill Cobbs Bill Cobbs born William Francis Cobbs on June 16th 1934 in Cleveland Ohio was a beloved American actor whose career spanned over

over four decades raised in a workingclass family Cobb served in the US Air Force before discovering his true passion for acting though he started out as a car salesman and office worker his love for the craft drove him to New York City in the 1970s where he launched his career in theater it wasn't long before Cobbs made the leap to television and film where his powerful presence and distinctive voice made him a standout he quickly became known for his ability to to bring depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters over his career cobs

appeared in more than 190 film and television roles leaving a lasting impact on both the small and big screens he's perhaps best known for his roles in the hudsucker proxy 1994 Demolition Man 1993 and Night at the Museum 2006 where he played the wise and seasoned Night Guard along Ben Stiller on TV he brought memorable characters to life in shows like the Michael Richard show The Sopranos and the westwing Cobbs was celebrated for his versatility able to play both authoritative wise figures and complex nuanced characters with ease whether in comedic or dramatic roles but Bill

Cobbs is impact extended far beyond his acting talent in a Hollywood industry that often struggled to offer substantial roles to African-American actors Cobbs became a symbol of dignity and representation at a time when black actors had limited opportunities he broke through barriers and portrayed characters with depth and respect helping to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generations of actors his quiet strength and professionalism on screen made him not only a role model for aspiring actors but also a beloved figure in Hollywood respected for both his craft and his humility Bill Cobbs passed away

at his home in Upland California on June 25th 2024 at the age of 90 his death marked the loss of a true icon whose Legacy will live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life and the doors he opened for those who followed in his footsteps Bill Cobbs was more than an actor he was a Pioneer whose influence in Hollywood and Beyond continues to inspire number six Willie Mays Willie Mays born on May 6th 1931 in Westfield Alabama is not just a baseball Legend he's an American icon raised in a family where baseball was

a way of life with his father a semi-professional player Maize was surrounded by the game from an early age his natural Talent Shone through in both baseball and football during his high school years but it was B baseball that would define his legacy at just 16 he signed with the New York Giants minor league system setting the stage for what would become one of the most remarkable careers in Major League Baseball MLB history Maize made his MLB debut in 1951 with the New York Giants and it didn't take long for him to prove he was

a star in the making he won the national league rookie of the year award that same season and helped lead the Giants to victory in the 19 1954 World Series that year Maye made one of the most memorable plays in baseball history an over theh shoulder catch in game one forever known as the catch his career spanned 22 years from 1951 to 1973 primarily with the Giants who moved to San Francisco in 1958 before finishing his career with the New York Mets May's Legacy on the field is extraordinary he finished with 660 home runs ranking

him among the all-time greats and accumulated 3,283 hits and 1,93 RB boasting a 302 career batting average his versatility as a player was unmatched Maize was a 12-time Gold Glove winner in center field known for his incredible defense and his speed earned him 338 stolen bases he was a 24 time allar a two-time National League MVP 1954 1965 and one of the most complete players ever to step onto the diamond in 1979 he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame but Willie Mays was more than just a remarkable athlete he was a Trailblazer

as one of the most prominent African-American athletes during a time of racial tension in the United States Maize helped break down barriers for future generations of black black players his grace excellence and sportsmanship on and off the field made him a role model not just for athletes but for people of all Races Maize became a symbol of perseverance inspiring fans everywhere with his ability to rise above adversity his contributions went beyond baseball too he worked to support Youth Sports education and various charitable causes proving that his impact stretched far beyond the Diamond Willie May's pass

away on June 18th 2024 at the age of 93 due to heart failure at a care home in paloalto California the day before his death he released his final public statement choosing to remain in California not attend the MLB game at rickwood field between the Giants and Cardinals May's passing marked the end of an arrow in baseball but his legacy endures as one of the greatest players to ever play the game throughout his life Mae received countless honors including the presidential medal of freedom in 2015 which celebrated both his contributions to baseball and to Society

at large even in retirement Willie Mays remains one of the most revered figures in American Sports his legacy is a testament to his unparalleled Talent his dignity in the face of adversity and his lasting influence on the game of baseball Maize will forever be remembered not just as as a player but as a man who changed the sport and inspired generations with his Excellence both on and off the field