All articles tagged with #civil rights activist
Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest serving National Park Service ranger and a civil rights activist, has died at 104. She was known for her work at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Park, her contributions to music and civil rights, and her inspiring long life. Her family requests donations to her namesake middle school and support for her documentary project.
The King family held a memorial service for civil rights activist Dexter Scott King, the son of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who passed away after battling prostate cancer. The service, featuring speeches and performances, was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and broadcast on FOX 5 Atlanta. Dexter Scott King, known for his dedication to continuing his father's legacy, was remembered for his humility and commitment to protecting his father's intellectual property. The family requested donations to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in lieu of flowers.
Joe Madison, a prominent civil rights activist and influential talk radio host known as the Black Eagle, passed away at 74 after battling prostate cancer. Throughout his career, Madison used his platform to advocate for social justice and push listeners to take action. He was known for his uncompromising style and personal crusades, such as hunger strikes to protest against attempts to block federal voting rights legislation. Madison's work merged activism and talk radio, earning him the title of a thought leader. He leaves behind a legacy of using his voice to address important issues and inspire change.
Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has passed away at the age of 62 after battling prostate cancer. He died peacefully at home with his wife, Leah Weber King, by his side. Dexter, a civil rights activist and chairman of The King Center, had no children and had been deeply affected by the assassination of his father at a young age. He leaves behind a legacy intertwined with his father's work and a commitment to animal rights and veganism.
Jim Brown, the Hall of Fame running back who spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, has died at the age of 87. Brown was widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and was also a civil rights activist and actor. He won league MVP three times and was named a Pro Bowler in each of his nine seasons and a First Team All-Pro in eight of them before abruptly retiring from the game in 1966 at the age of 30. Brown's legacy will live on forever.
Harry Belafonte, the singer, actor, and civil rights activist, has died at the age of 96. Belafonte was one of the first Black artists to achieve widespread commercial success in the United States and was known for his Jewish connections, including his marriage to his Jewish second wife, dancer Julie Robinson. He was also famous for his rendition of the Hebrew dance hit “Hava Nagila” and his commitment to civil rights activism, including his close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr. Belafonte died of congestive heart failure and is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Harry Belafonte, the first Black man to win a Tony and an Emmy, a singer, actor, and civil rights activist, died at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure. Belafonte was known for his magnetic charm and wistful Caribbean folk songs, including his version of the "Banana Boat Song." He was a confidant to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a friend of the marginalized. Belafonte also established one of the first all-Black music publishing companies and helped launch one of the first voter registration drives in Mississippi.