Arthur Ashe (July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993): Arthur Ashe was the first African-American man to reach prominence as a professional tennis player. After contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion in the ‘80s, he became an activist to raise awareness about the disease. He died at 49.
Max Robinson (May 1, 1939 – December 20, 1988): Robinson became the first black national news anchor in America as the co-anchor of ABC Nightly News. He succumbed to AIDS-related complications at 49.
Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989): Choreographer Alvin Ailey is renowned for popularizing modern dance through his world-famous company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He passed away from AIDS-related diseases at 58.
Eazy-E (September 7, 1963 – March 26, 1995): As the founder of Ruthless Records and seminal group N.W.A., Eazy-E is credited with inventing the genre of gangsta rap. The hip-hop icon died of AIDS-related illnesses at 31.
Howard Rollins (October 17, 1950 – December 8, 1996) This versatile character actor made a name for himself in memorable roles such as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in the 1981 film Ragtime. After struggling with substance abuse, Rollins died of AIDS-related lymphoma at 46.
Sylvester James (September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988): Better known simply as Sylvester, this disco star released the dance classic “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” in 1978. He passed away due to complications from AIDS at 41.
Jermaine Stewart (September 7, 1957 – March 17, 1997): Pop singer Jermaine Stewart is best known for his ‘80s hit “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” He sadly passed away at 39.
Franklyn Seales (July 15, 1952 – May 14, 1990): Seales was a television and movie actor best known for playing Dexter Stuffins on the sitcom Silver Spoons. He expired at 37 due to AIDS-related illnesses.
Willi Smith (February 29, 1948 – April 17, 1987): Designer Willi Smith (pictured, right) broke ground as a rare African-American in the ‘80s with his own successful label and the respect of the high fashion establishment. Smith died of AIDS-related diseases at 39.
Fela Kuti (October 15, 1938 – August 2, 1997): Fela created an immortal reputation for himself as an originator of “Afrobeat” music, which mixes jazz, R&B, and traditional African rhythms. He perished from AIDS at 58.
Kenny Greene (January 17, 1969 – October 1, 2001): Greene was a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who penned hits for stars like Mary J. Blige, such as “Reminisce” and “Love No Limit.” He died of complications due to AIDS at 32.
Black celebrities who have died of AIDS sometimes do not receive the attention that others lost to this terrible disease do. TheGrio wants to say: We remember you. We remember your contributions to our culture, and we mourn the tragic loss of the gifts you bestowed on us during your short, creative lives. The men on this list represent stellar talents who enriched us all through fields ranging from fashion to journalism. As we celebrate World AIDS Day, we must remember these luminaries who used their lights to uplift the African-American collective.
theGrio: 5 myths that must go in war against HIV-AIDS
While the outlook is improving for those diagnosed with HIV, the most current statistics show that high infection rates and low rates of treatment for blacks make this epidemic a persistent crisis. The loss of these great men reminds us of what we all have to lose if we don’t act in a unified method to prevent and treat HIV successfully. Remembering black celebrities who died of AIDS can inspire us to stop this hemorrhage of great black talent to preventable death.
But let’s not make the remembrance of black celebrities who died of AIDS solely a cautionary tale. Let us also take this moment to celebrate the greatness of some of our most memorable African-American stars. Black celebrities who died of AIDS: We commend you.
