Dennis Thomas, longtime saxophonist and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 70. Thomas, also known as “Dee Tee,” died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, August 8, 2021, in New Jersey, according to the legendary funk band’s official Twitter account. The Associated Press reports that he is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. Thomas was one of … [Read more...] about Dennis Thomas, Kool & the Gang co-founding member, dead at 70
Obituaries
Remembering Mother Clara Atwater
Mother Clara Atwater died August 2, 2021. She was 86 years old. Atwater founded Love Tabernacle Church where she served as pastor; and Gingerbread Land, Inc., a nonprofit organization reaching out to those in need of support, guidance, and love. She started her ministry after relocating to Milwaukee from Detroit in the early 1960s. She was a Black Excellence Award honoree … [Read more...] about Remembering Mother Clara Atwater
Homegoing Celebration of Mother Corrine Miller
Mother Corrine Miller was born in Memphis, TN on December 29, 1934 to Nod Davis and Malinda Dolman. She was born into a family of four brothers and four sisters. Corrine was adopted at birth by David and Lula Sims in Memphis. Corrine met Charles Miller, Sr., in September 1950 and they went on to enter into Holy Matrimony on February 17, 1951. The Millers relocated to … [Read more...] about Homegoing Celebration of Mother Corrine Miller
Mother Clara Atwater passes
Mother Clara Atwater died August 2, 2021. She was 86 years old. Atwater founded Love Tabernacle Church where she served as pastor; and Gingerbread Land, Inc., a nonprofit organization reaching out to those in need of support, guidance, and love. She started her ministry after relocating to Milwaukee from Detroit in the early 1960s. She was a Black Excellence Award honoree at … [Read more...] about Mother Clara Atwater passes
Bezelee Martin, founder of Lena’s Food Store, passes at age 88
Entrepreneur Bezelee Martin, the co-founder of the former Lena’s Food Market chain in Milwaukee, died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Funeral arrangements are pending. Bezelee Martin was 88 years old. Born on September 29, 1932 in Dumas, Arkansas, he was named by an aunt who found the name in the Bible. Martin was mainly raised by his mother, Ruthie, in the prosperous all- Black … [Read more...] about Bezelee Martin, founder of Lena’s Food Store, passes at age 88
Civil rights icon and math educator Robert Parris Moses passes away at 86
Robert "Bob" Moses, who worked on the frontlines of the civil rights movement as an advocate for Black voters in Mississippi in the 1960s, and later launched a national organization devoted to teaching math to promote a more equitable world, died on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at his home in Hollywood, FL at the age of 86, the New York Times reported. Maisha Moses, his daughter, … [Read more...] about Civil rights icon and math educator Robert Parris Moses passes away at 86
Biz Markie, pioneering beatboxer and ‘Just A Friend’ rapper, dies at 57
Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, "Just A Friend." His death was confirmed by his manager, Jenni D. … [Read more...] about Biz Markie, pioneering beatboxer and ‘Just A Friend’ rapper, dies at 57
Pastor Jerome Smith, Sr., dies of COVID-19 at 49
As co-founder of the Joseph Project, Pastor Jerome Smith, Sr., helped others find good jobs, transportation and training. Pastor Smith, 49, died April 27, from complications of COVID-19. “Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin lost a great man today as Pastor Jerome Smith, Sr., was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ,” the Republican Party of Wisconsin said in a statement … [Read more...] about Pastor Jerome Smith, Sr., dies of COVID-19 at 49
Remembering the life of Margo Wilma Spann
Award-winning television journalist and entrepreneur Margo Wilma Spann, 40, was struck and killed in an apparent early morning hit-and-run incident in Los Angeles on March 11, 2021. She was born in Milwaukee to the late Reverend James W. Spann, II and Dr. Wilma N. Spann and she began her career in broadcast journalism in her hometown of Milwaukee. Margo Spann was a graduate … [Read more...] about Remembering the life of Margo Wilma Spann
Yaphet Kotto, Bond Villain and Alien Actor, dies at 81
Yaphet Kotto's extensive filmography includes turns as the villain in Live and Let Die and as Lieutenant Al Giardello in Homicide: Life on the Street Yaphet Kotto — the prolific actor who starred in films such as Live and Let Die and Alien, as well as numerous television series including Homicide: Life on the Street — has died. He was 81. Kotto's wife Tessie Sinahon … [Read more...] about Yaphet Kotto, Bond Villain and Alien Actor, dies at 81