Those We Lost — June 26

Honoring those we lost on June 26 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

James Weldon Johnson

Born June 17, 1871 — Died June 26, 1938

Title: Writer, composer, educator, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights leader

James Weldon Johnson was a major figure in Black public life, literature, and civil rights. He wrote the poem that became “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” served in NAACP leadership, and helped shape the Harlem Renaissance through both art and activism.

Clifford Brown

Born October 30, 1930 — Died June 26, 1956

Title: Jazz trumpeter, pianist, composer, and hard bop innovator

Clifford Brown was a brilliant jazz trumpeter whose career was cut short when he died in a car crash at only 25. Even with just a few years of recordings, his tone, phrasing, and compositions helped shape hard bop and influenced generations of trumpet players.

Renauld White

Born February 1, 1944 — Died June 26, 2024

Title: Model, actor, and fashion-industry trailblazer

Renauld White was one of the early Black male models to break through in high fashion, including becoming the second Black model to appear on the cover of GQ. He pushed for broader representation in fashion and helped open doors for Black men in an industry that often excluded them.