Those We Lost — June 24

Honoring those we lost on June 24 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Sissieretta Jones

Born January 5, 1869 — Died June 24, 1933

Title: Concert singer, soprano, and classical music trailblazer

Sissieretta Jones, often called “The Black Patti,” was one of the first Black women to gain international recognition as a concert singer. She performed in major venues at a time when racism blocked many Black artists from full access to opera houses and elite classical spaces.

Kenny Washington

Born August 31, 1918 — Died June 24, 1971

Title: Football player, UCLA star, and NFL integration pioneer

Kenny Washington was one of the players who helped reintegrate the NFL after World War II, signing with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. Before that, he was a standout athlete at UCLA, where his talent challenged the racial boundaries that kept Black players from full opportunity in professional football.

Bernie Worrell

Born April 19, 1944 — Died June 24, 2016

Title: Keyboardist, composer, producer, and Parliament-Funkadelic founding member

Bernie Worrell helped shape the sound of funk through his keyboard and synthesizer work with Parliament-Funkadelic. His playing became part of the foundation for funk, hip-hop sampling, electronic music, and the wider sound of Black musical experimentation.

Marva Collins

Born August 31, 1936 — Died June 24, 2015

Title: Educator, school founder, and advocate for rigorous Black education

Marva Collins became known for founding Westside Preparatory School in Chicago after becoming frustrated with public school failures affecting Black children. Her work emphasized discipline, high expectations, reading, language, and the belief that children often labeled as unreachable could thrive when taught with care and seriousness.