Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024

UPDATED: 7:00 a.m. ET., July 29th 2024

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

Alma Johnson Powell, the wife of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin L. Powell has passed away. Johnson Powell’s passed was confirmed by family spokesperson, Peggy Cifrino.

Born on October 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, Alma Johnson was raised in a family that valued education and service. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. Alma Johnson met Colin Powell in 1961 on a blind date in Massachusetts. The couple married on August 25, 1962, and had three children together—Michael, Linda, and Annemarie. Their partnership spanned over five decades until Colin Powell’s passing in 2021.

Johnson Powell carved out her own legacy as an advocate for children’s welfare and education. She served as the chair of America’s Promise Alliance, an organization that helps to improve the lives of children and youth across the United States. Under her leadership, the alliance focused on ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources needed for success in school and life, including caring adults, safe places, effective education, a healthy start, and opportunities to serve.

Alma and Colin’s son, Michael Powell, served as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman from 2001 to 2005. He has also been active in various roles that contribute to media and telecommunications policy.
Alma Powell has authored several children’s books, adding to her portfolio of contributions to child development and education. Her books, such as “America’s Promise” and “My Little Wagon,” aim to inspire and educate young readers.

Alma Johnson Powell was 86.

 

Actress Erica Ash has passed away.

Ash starred as Kevin Hart‘s love interest in “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Ash also starred in the critically acclaimed series “Survivor’s Remorse,” where she played “Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway”, the outspoken sister of a professional basketball player. She was also a cast member on the sketch comedy programs MADtv, The Big Gay Sketch Show, and the legal drama “In Contempt.”

Ash was 46.

 

Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2024 Below

 

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