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

March 12, 2025

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

UPDATED: 6:00 pm EST March 11th, 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.

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

Junior Bridgeman, a beloved former University of Louisville basketball star and successful entrepreneur, passed away at 71 after suffering a medical emergency. The incident occurred at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville during a fundraising event. According to a report, Bridgeman mentioned he thought he was having a heart attack before being taken to the hospital by first responders. His death has been confirmed by the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House.

Bridgeman was a celebrated figure in Louisville and far beyond. Playing under legendary coach Denny Crum in the 1970s, he became a standout for Louisville basketball. His skills led him to the NBA, where he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Though he never sought the spotlight, his contributions to the game earned him deep respect, with longtime Bucks announcer Eddie Doucette describing Bridgeman as “platinum.”

Beyond his athletic achievements, Bridgeman became one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world. After retiring from the NBA, he transformed his career by investing in fast-food franchises. This entrepreneurial spirit eventually expanded into owning over 450 restaurant locations, a Coca-Cola bottling operation, and even the famed Ebony and Jet magazines. His business acumen exemplified how athletes could achieve success off the court and served as inspiration for others.