Those We Lost — September 21

Honoring those we lost on September 21 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Florence Griffith Joyner

Born December 21, 1959 — died September 21, 1998

The fastest woman who ever lived.

Flo-Jo’s 1988 world records in the 100 and 200 meters still stand after nearly four decades. With one-legged suits, painted nails, and a smile at full speed, she won three Olympic golds in Seoul and made the track entirely her own before dying in her sleep at thirty-eight.

Melvin Van Peebles

Born August 21, 1932 — died September 21, 2021

Godfather of independent Black cinema.

Van Peebles wrote, directed, scored, edited, and starred in Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, proving a Black independent film could reach a mass audience with no studio’s permission. Modern Black filmmaking stands on that act of defiance — and on his novels, plays, and songs besides.

Benny Golson

Born January 25, 1929 — died September 21, 2024

Saxophonist and jazz composer.

Golson wrote "Killer Joe," "Along Came Betty," "Whisper Not," and the elegy "I Remember Clifford" — standards the music will play forever. A Jazz Messengers architect and Jazztet co-leader, the Philadelphia master worked into his tenth decade.