Bernice Johnson Reagon, US civil rights activist and singer, dies aged 81
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a civil rights activist and singer, passed away at 81. She dedicated over 50 years to fighting racism, co-founding Sweet Honey in the Rock, and leaving a lasting legacy.
Read original article
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a prominent American civil rights activist and singer, passed away at the age of 81. Known for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics, Reagon dedicated over 50 years to speaking out against racism and systemic injustices in the US and globally. She was a key figure in the civil rights movement, being part of the original Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee Freedom Singers and later founding the a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Reagon's contributions extended beyond activism as she was also a respected music scholar, serving as a professor emeritus of history at American University and curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Her legacy includes iconic compositions like Ella's Song, which continues to resonate at demonstrations today with its message of unwavering commitment to freedom. Reagon's impact on the civil rights movement and her dedication to social justice will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Related
Honoring the Legacy of Chip Design Innovator Lynn Conway
Lynn Conway, a pioneering chip designer and LGBTQ+ activist, passed away at 86. She co-developed VLSI, advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and revolutionized chip design, leaving a lasting impact on technology and equality.
The Sun Ra Arkestra's Maestro Hits One Hundred
Marshall Allen, leader of Sun Ra Arkestra, turned 100, celebrated at Venice Biennale. Arkestra, founded in 1950s, focused on inter-dimensional music travel. Allen succeeded Sun Ra, honored with performances and video installation.
Bruce Bastian, WordPerfect co-creator, has died
Bruce Bastian, a tech entrepreneur, LGBTQ+ advocate, and philanthropist, passed away at 76. Known for supporting LGBTQ+ rights, founding the B.W. Bastian Foundation, and serving on the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Arts.
He might have been the first jazz star
Ford Dabney, a talented African American composer, missed jazz stardom due to timing and genre evolution. Despite his contributions to early jazz, he faded into obscurity, overshadowed by peers like Duke Ellington.
A Philosophy Professor's Final Class
Richard J. Bernstein, a philosopher known for his energetic teaching style, explored American pragmatism and Hannah Arendt's works in his final classes at the New School for Social Research. Despite health challenges, he continued teaching via Zoom, emphasizing dialogue and intellectual inquiry.
0 commentsRelated
Honoring the Legacy of Chip Design Innovator Lynn Conway
Lynn Conway, a pioneering chip designer and LGBTQ+ activist, passed away at 86. She co-developed VLSI, advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and revolutionized chip design, leaving a lasting impact on technology and equality.
The Sun Ra Arkestra's Maestro Hits One Hundred
Marshall Allen, leader of Sun Ra Arkestra, turned 100, celebrated at Venice Biennale. Arkestra, founded in 1950s, focused on inter-dimensional music travel. Allen succeeded Sun Ra, honored with performances and video installation.
Bruce Bastian, WordPerfect co-creator, has died
Bruce Bastian, a tech entrepreneur, LGBTQ+ advocate, and philanthropist, passed away at 76. Known for supporting LGBTQ+ rights, founding the B.W. Bastian Foundation, and serving on the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Arts.
He might have been the first jazz star
Ford Dabney, a talented African American composer, missed jazz stardom due to timing and genre evolution. Despite his contributions to early jazz, he faded into obscurity, overshadowed by peers like Duke Ellington.
A Philosophy Professor's Final Class
Richard J. Bernstein, a philosopher known for his energetic teaching style, explored American pragmatism and Hannah Arendt's works in his final classes at the New School for Social Research. Despite health challenges, he continued teaching via Zoom, emphasizing dialogue and intellectual inquiry.