Those We Lost — June 21

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

James Chaney

Born May 30, 1943 — Died June 21, 1964

Title: Civil rights worker and voting rights martyr

James Chaney was a Black civil rights worker from Mississippi who was murdered alongside Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner during Freedom Summer. Their deaths exposed the violent resistance that Black voting rights organizers faced and became one of the defining tragedies of the civil rights movement.

John Lee Hooker

Born August 22, 1917 — Died June 21, 2001

Title: Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist, and electric blues pioneer

John Lee Hooker was one of the most distinctive voices in blues history, known for his driving boogie rhythm, hypnotic guitar style, and deep, talking-blues delivery. His music carried Delta blues into electric form and influenced generations of blues, rock, and rhythm-and-blues musicians.