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

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UPDATED: 9:20 p.m. ET., November 18th, 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.

Former NBA star Bob “Butterbean” Love has passed away at the age of 81 following a prolonged battle with cancer. Love’s career, marked by perseverance and determination, made him a standout figure in basketball.

After stints with various NBA teams, Love rose to fame with the Chicago Bulls, joining them in 1968 following a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, who had selected him in the NBA Expansion Draft. Despite facing challenges due to a severe stuttering disability that affected his communication, Love excelled on the court.

During his eight seasons with the Bulls, Love became a three-time All-Star and earned three All-Defensive Team selections and two All-NBA selections. Love would finish his career with the Bulls in 1976 as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 12,623 points, a record eventually surpassed by fellow Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Love’s number 10 jersey was the second to be retired by the team, a testament to his impact and contribution.

Post-retirement, Love overcame his speech impediment with the help of a speech therapist. In 1992, he joined the Bulls as Director of Community Affairs, inspiring many through his dedication and resilience.

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