Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
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BAW Staff
Published on
November 7, 2025
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Source: Reach Media / Urban One
UPDATED: 8:00 am EST Nov. 47h, 2025
Baltimore is mourning the loss of one of its most respected public servants. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Anthony Barksdale, a West Baltimore native and proud graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, passed away Thursday night, according to Mayor Brandon Scott.
“Tony Barksdale was the epitome of what it means to be a public servant — but more importantly, he was a standard bearer of what it means to be a good man,” Mayor Scott said. “For more than three decades, he served this city with one mission: to make it safer for all Baltimoreans. Whether as a patrol officer, Deputy Commissioner, Acting Commissioner, or Deputy Mayor, Tony never wavered in that commitment. I had the privilege of learning from him for nearly twenty years, and I’ll forever be grateful for his mentorship and friendship. Baltimore is better because a boy from West Baltimore made it his mission to make it safer.”
As Deputy Mayor, Barksdale oversaw operations and policy coordination for several key city departments, including the Baltimore Police Department, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), and the Baltimore City Fire Department. He was instrumental in advancing the city’s Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, working closely with MONSE to strengthen community-based safety strategies.
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Barksdale’s legacy of service began in 1993, when he joined the Baltimore Police Department. His leadership and innovation quickly earned him respect across the force. In 2007, he became Commissioner of Operations, where he implemented a citywide crime plan that led to historically low levels of arrests and homicides between 2007 and 2012.
For more than 30 years, Anthony Barksdale devoted his life to protecting and uplifting Baltimore. His impact on the city and the people who knew him will be felt for generations.
Learn more below about those in our culture who have passed away so far in 2025 below:
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1. Baltimore Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Anthony Barksdal
2. Marshawn Kneeland
3. Young Bleed
4. Posta Boy
5. P.E.A.C.E.
6. D’Angelo
7. Arthur Jones
8. Dr. Earl S. Richardson, Morgan State University’s 9th inaugurated president
Armstead Jones, the longtime director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, died at the age of 71 just hours after publicly announcing his retirement.
43. Huey P. Williams
44. Young Scooter
45. Pastor DeJaughn William “Billy” Murphy
Born and raised in Detroit, Billy was the second oldest of five children and a third-generation pastor. He was the proud son of Bishop William H. Murphy Jr. and Elder Donna R. Murphy.
46. Mia Love
Love was the first Black Republican woman and Haitian-American in Congress. A former Saratoga Springs, UT mayor, she championed fiscal responsibility. Love passed away at 49 in 2025 after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
47. George Foreman
48. Donald “Slick” Watts
Donald “Slick” Watts, a cherished Seattle basketball figure, passed away at 73. An undrafted talent out of Xavier University of Louisiana, Watts joined the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics through a tryout arranged by coach Bill Russell. Over five seasons, he became the first player to lead the league in assists and steals in a single season (1975-76), earning First Team All-Defense honors and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Post-retirement, Watts stayed in Seattle, teaching physical education and running a basketball academy with his son. His warm presence at local games and dedication to youth cemented his enduring community legacy.
49. Anthony W. McCarthy
We are sad to report that, Anthony W. McCarthy, a brilliant communications strategist who shaped the public images of some of Maryland’s most influential figures—including Sheila Dixon, Martin O’Malley, Kweisi Mfume, and Elijah Cummings—passed away Sunday at the age of 57.
50. D’Wayne Wiggins
51. DJ Funk
DJ Funk, born Charles Chambers, was a trailblazing figure in Chicago’s underground music scene and instrumental in defining the ghetto house genre. Known for high-energy hits like “Work Dat Body” and “Pump It,” his bass-heavy sound and party-driven lyrics brought vibrancy to Midwest clubs throughout the 1990s. A leader in the house music movement, DJ Funk solidified his legacy on labels like Dance Mania, which he later owned. Sadly, he passed away at 54 from stage 4 cancer.
52. Luther Keith
53. Harry Elston
Harry Elston, founder of the Friends of Distinction and the voice behind iconic hits like “Grazing in the Grass” and “Going in Circles,” has passed away at 86. Elston formed the group in 1968, delivering a unique blend of pop and soul with unforgettable harmonies. Their music, including hits like “Love or Let Me Be Lonely,” graced the charts in the late 60s and early 70s. Managed by NFL star Jim Brown, the group became a vital part of the California soul sound. Elston’s influence extended beyond his vibrant musical career, earning admiration for his kindness, optimism, and lasting legacy in soul music.
54. Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the iconic jazz vibraphonist celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to jazz-funk and neo-soul, passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.
55. Sylvester Turner
A Houston native, Turner began his career in law after graduating from Harvard Law School. In 1983 he founded Barnes & Turner, his own law firm in addition to his duties as a professor and lecturer at several law schools.
His move to the political arena would see Turner serve two terms as mayor of the City of Houston after being elected in 2016.
56. Angie Stone
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Angie Stone was killed in an auto accident Saturday morning (March 1) at the age of 63. Her daughter, Diamond, confirmed the news on social media, simply saying “My Mommy is gone.” The singer’s rep, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed to TMZ that the singer was killed on her way home from a show in Montgomery, Alabama.
57. Dr. Alvin Poussaint
Dr. Alvin Poussaint studied the tendrils of systemic racism and Black self-sufficiency along with serving as a consultant to hit TV shows.
58. Chris Jasper
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers’ success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
59. Kevin Braswell
60. Roberta Flack
61. Gwen McCrae
62. Voletta Wallace
63. Jerry "Iceman" Butler
Jerry initially gained fame as the lead singer of the R&B group The Impressions, a groundbreaking act that included iconic names like Curtis Mayfield. Together, they created influential tracks such as 1958’s “For Your Precious Love,” which Butler co-wrote and which became their defining hit.
64. Chelsea Reject
Chelsea Reject, born Chelsea Alexander, was a Brooklyn-based indie rapper known for her introspective lyrics and experimental artistry. Emerging in the 2010s, she gained recognition with her mixtape “Cmplx,” collaborating with members of Pro Era and sharing stages with artists like Mobb Deep and Talib Kweli. Her music often reflected themes of anxiety, self-discovery, and resilience, blending laid-back production with fiery energy.
Chelsea was also celebrated for her independent spirit, self-releasing projects like “This Is Not My Final Form” and touring internationally. Her work resonated with fans for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her a prominent figure in New York City’s underground rap scene.
65. Gene "Groove" Allen
Gene “Groove” Allen, a Hip-Hop pioneer and actor, gained fame as part of Groove B. Chill, known for their 1990 album Starting From Zero. He shone in cult classics House Party and its sequel, blending music and film.
66. Tim Tooten, Beloved Baltimore Journalist
Source: The Baltimore Banner
Tim Tooten, one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region, retired in 2023 after 35 years with WBAL and more than 40 years in journalism. tim tooten,one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region,retired in 2023 after 35 years with wbal and more than 40 years in journalism.
67. Irv Gotti
Source: Getty
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
68. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr
Stewart, Jr. was a retired U.S. Air Force officer and one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Born on July 4, 1924, Stewart served during World War II as a fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the “Red Tails.”
Journalist and author Barry Michael Cooper wrote the films New Jack City (1991) , Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994)
73. Former NBA All-Star Gus Williams
Williams received the nickname “The Wizard” for his dazzling ball-handling and quick drives. Over his career, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game with two All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors.
74. Actress Dalyce Curry
Dalyce Curry was an actress known for her role in “Blues Brothers.” She recently passed away at the age of 95 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Her remains were found at her home in Altadena, California
75. Sam Moore
Born in Miami, Florida, in October 1935, Moore grew up immersed in gospel music, singing in church choirs before his path led him to rhythm and blues. His life changed in the early 1960s when he met Dave Prater at a Miami nightclub. Together, they formed Sam & Dave, and the pair quickly became a driving force in soul music. Signed to the legendary Stax Records, their partnership with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in some of the genre’s most enduring classics.
76. Singer, Brenton Wood
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s family relocated to California, where his artistic talents blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his unique blend of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics brought a fresh vibrancy to the R&B genre. His work captured universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wood rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.”
