Updated 06/30/2023 at 9:31 a.m. ET:
We are now halfway through 2023 and the list of Black celebs is already longer than it should be. From talented athletes to beloved entertainers, here are the Black celebrities we’ve lost in 2023.
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Christine King Farris
The last living sibling of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr., Christine King Farris, died on June 29 at 95. She was the oldest child of Martin Luther King, Sr., and her life “overflowed with acts of service, love, and education.” Along with Coretta Scott King, she helped create the King Center and the MLK Memorial Library in June 1968.
Tina Turner
Beloved singer Tina Turner died on May 24 at the age of 83. The “What’s Love Got To Do With It” singer had been fighting illness since 2016 when she was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016. She also had a kidney transplant in 2017. Known as the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” Turner was a star in the industry since the 1960s. Throughout her career, she sold more than 180 million albums and won 12 Grammy awards.
Bill Lee
Bill Lee, an accomplished composer, jazz bassist and the father of Spike Lee, died on Wednesday at the age of 94. While he recorded countless solo albums, he was known for his work in his son’s early movies, including “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”
Jim Brown
On May 19, the nation mourned the loss of another Black legend; this time it was Jim Brown. The actor and the greatest running back the NFL had ever seen, died at the age of 87. His wife made the sad announcement on Instagram. Read this loving tribute the Root wrote shortly after the announcement.
Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte died at 96 on April…
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