Those We Lost — June 20

Honoring those we lost on June 20 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Ann Atwater

Born July 1, 1935 — Died June 20, 2016

Title: Civil rights activist, community organizer, and housing justice advocate

Ann Atwater was a Durham, North Carolina organizer who fought for housing, anti-poverty programs, school desegregation, and working-class Black communities. Her story became widely known through The Best of Enemies, but her real legacy was grassroots organizing rooted in daily struggle.

Albert “Prodigy” Johnson

Born November 2, 1974 — Died June 20, 2017

Title: Rapper, songwriter, and member of Mobb Deep

Prodigy was one half of Mobb Deep, the Queensbridge hip-hop duo whose music helped define a hard-edged New York street sound. His writing carried pain, survival, menace, and reflection, and his battle with sickle cell disease was part of the life experience behind his voice.

Elbert Williams

Born October 15, 1908 — Died June 20, 1940

Title: NAACP leader, voting rights activist, and lynching victim

Elbert Williams was an NAACP organizer in Brownsville, Tennessee, and is recognized as the first known NAACP member murdered for civil rights work. His lynching shows the deadly risks Black organizers faced when they challenged white supremacy through voter registration and local organizing.

Jordan Bankston Noble

Born October 14, 1800 — Died June 20, 1890

Title: Soldier, drummer, War of 1812 veteran, and New Orleans public figure

Jordan Bankston Noble was born enslaved and became famous as the “Drummer Boy of Chalmette” for his role in the Battle of New Orleans. His life crossed the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War, connecting Black military service to New Orleans history and public memory.