Those We Lost — July 11

Honoring those we lost on July 11 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Mifflin Wistar Gibbs

Born April 17, 1823 — died July 11, 1915

Businessman, newspaper publisher, lawyer, judge, diplomat, banker, and Black political pioneer.

Gibbs moved through many fields during the 19th century, from abolitionist circles and Black publishing to law, politics, and diplomacy. He became one of the earliest Black elected officials in British Columbia and later served as a judge and public leader in Arkansas.

Lemuel Penn

Full name: Lemuel Augustus Penn Sr.

Born September 19, 1915 — died July 11, 1964

Educator, World War II veteran, Army Reserve officer, and civil rights martyr.

Penn was an assistant superintendent in Washington, D.C., and a decorated military officer. He was murdered by Ku Klux Klan members in Georgia while returning home from Army Reserve training, just days after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law.

Walter Hawkins

Full name: Walter Lee Hawkins

Born May 18, 1949 — died July 11, 2010

Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, pastor, producer, and contemporary gospel figure.

Hawkins helped shape modern gospel through his voice, writing, ministry, and recordings with the Love Center Choir and the Hawkins family musical tradition. His music carried church power into contemporary gospel and influenced generations of singers and choir directors.