Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

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UPDATED: 3:45 AM ET., January 22nd, 2025

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.

Barry Michael Cooper, celebrated writer, journalist, and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 66. Known for his ability to craft powerful narratives that captured the essence of urban life, Cooper left an indelible mark on both film and journalism.

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Cooper began his career as a journalist, contributing to outlets like The Village Voice. His groundbreaking articles provided an unflinching look at the intersection of hip-hop culture, the drug trade, and the struggles of inner-city life during the 1980s. One of his most notable pieces, an exposé on the crack epidemic, showcased his fearless and authentic voice, earning widespread acclaim.

Cooper transitioned to screenwriting with incredible success, penning the iconic 1991 crime drama New Jack City. The film, starring Wesley Snipes and Chris Rock, explored the devastating impact of the drug trade and became a cultural touchstone for its gripping realism. He went on to write Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994), further solidifying his reputation as a master of urban storytelling.

Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2025 Below