Those We Lost — July 23

Honoring those we lost on July 23 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

E. Lynn Harris

Birth name: Everett Lynn Jeter

Born June 20, 1955 — died July 23, 2009

Author, novelist, former IBM executive, and Black LGBTQ+ literary trailblazer.

Harris became one of the most widely read Black authors of his generation, opening space for stories about Black gay and bisexual men, family, secrecy, love, and identity. His novels reached mainstream audiences while giving voice to communities rarely centered in popular fiction.

Elbert “Big Man” Howard

Full name: Elbert Howard

Born January 5, 1938 — died July 23, 2018

Black Panther Party founding member, author, lecturer, and community organizer.

Howard was one of the original members of the Black Panther Party and served as its deputy minister of information. His work helped shape the party’s message, community programs, and political education during one of the most intense periods of Black freedom organizing.