Those We Lost — June 9

Honoring those we lost on June 9 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Alain Locke

Born September 13, 1885 — Died June 9, 1954

Title: Philosopher, educator, writer, and Harlem Renaissance architect

Alain Locke was a philosopher and educator often called the “Dean” of the Harlem Renaissance. His anthology The New Negro helped define a new cultural movement centered on Black art, literature, self-expression, and modern identity.

Jacob Lawrence

Born September 7, 1917 — Died June 9, 2000

Title: Painter, educator, and visual chronicler of Black history

Jacob Lawrence was one of the most important Black artists of the 20th century. His work used bold color and modernist form to tell stories of migration, labor, struggle, family, and Black history, including his famous Migration Series.

Ousmane Sembène

Born January 1, 1923 — Died June 9, 2007

Title: Senegalese filmmaker, writer, producer, and father of African cinema

Ousmane Sembène was a Senegalese writer and filmmaker widely regarded as the father of African cinema. His films used African languages, working-class stories, anti-colonial themes, and social criticism to challenge both colonial power and postcolonial injustice.

Sly Stone

Born March 15, 1943 — Died June 9, 2025

Title: Singer, songwriter, producer, bandleader, and funk pioneer

Sly Stone led Sly and the Family Stone, one of the most innovative and influential groups in funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic music. His band broke racial and gender barriers while creating music that carried messages of unity, conflict, joy, and social change.