This year, the Black community lost some of its most important leaders and figures. A few of those lost legends are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, James Earl Jones, Nikki Giovanni, and Quincy Jones. They all left behind legacies that will not be forgotten, their work and dedication changed lives and inspired people from around the world.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was an important figure in the Black community, she was a strong voice for fairness and justice. She served as a Congresswoman in Houston for nearly 30 years, fighting for voting rights, criminal justice reform, and helping underserved communities recover from disasters. Her hard work and dedication showed young Black women that they could lead and make a difference in the world; the city of Houston greatly benefited from her service.
James Earl Jones would be considered by many as one the greatest actors of all time. Known for his roles in The Lion King, where he was the voice of Mufasa, and Star Wars, as Darth Vader. Jones is an EGOT winner, meaning over his career he won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award; only 9 Black people have achieved EGOT status. Jones overcame a stutter as child, being a symbol of strength and determination.
Nikki Giovanni was a poet whose words touched the hearts of many people all over the world. She wrote about the beauty and struggles of being Black in America. Her poems were specifically inspiring during the Civil Rights Movement and continued to being hope to readers for decades. One of Giovanni’s most famous poems is titled “Blk History Month”, where she talks about the need to educate Black people on the importance of their history. Later in her life, Giovanni became a professor dedicating herself to teaching young writers and helping them find their own voiced to tell their stories.
Quincy Jones was one of the greatest musicians and producers in history. He worked with famous artist like Michael Jackson, producing his Thriller album, which became the best-selling album of all time. Jones also wrote music for movies and TV shows, dedicated to showcasing Black talent through the arts. Jones is also an EGOT winner.
These four legends showed the world the power of Black talent, and strength. Inspiring people to dream big and work hard. Their legacies will never be forgotten, and they will continue to inspire people for generations. They should be honored by the remembrance of their contributions to make the world a better place.
[Photo: nikki-giovanni.com]
