Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944
Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944
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Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor whose career spanned over five decades and who became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in "An Officer and a Gentleman," has died. Gossett, who was born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., was 87. Recognized early on for his resilience and nearly unmatched determination, Gossett arrived in Los Angeles in 1967 after a stint on Broadway. He sometimes spoke of being pulled over by law...
ATLANTA (AP) - Dexter Scott King, who dedicated much of his life to shepherding the Civil Rights legacy of his parents, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died Monday after battling prostate cancer. He was 62. The King Center in Atlanta, which Dexter King served as chairman, said the younger son of the civil rights icon died at his home in Malibu, California. His wife, Leah Weber King, said in a statement that he died "peacefully in his sleep." "The sudden shock is...
QUEEN GRANT APR. 1, 1928 – DEC. 19, 2023 Queen was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and through her many travels, she met her late husband John Grant, Jr. and they moved to Boston. From there they moved to Montreal Canada and then to Detroit Michigan where other family members lived. They had their daughter Michelle while living in Detroit. Queen loved to travel and visited places like Spain, England, Israel and Hawaii just to name a few. She also loved to knit, sew, carve, do yard work and s...
NORA ALEXANDER MAY 8 1955 - , SEPT. 23, 2023 Nora Vernice Alexander was born in Detroit and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1973. Her sons were the pride and joy of her life. She later married Drewry Alexander in 1990. Nora's love extended beyond her family and she embraced the dance community. Her dedication could also be seen throughout her career at Michigan Works helping people to find employment and build better lives. Nora is survived by her loving husband Drewry Alexander,...
ALICIA JOHNSON Alicia Nicole Johnson was born in Detroit and she graduated from Pershing High School and furthered her education with a degree in Business Management from Baker's College in Flint. She loved to play cards, dance from her granddaddy. She had a creative style when it came to making clothes, arts and crafts, doing make-up. For many years, she worked in the banking industry after college. She later worked for the City of Detroit's Fire Department. Her faith was in Jehovah God. Her...
ANTHONY WILLIAMS MAR. 6, 1988 – SEPT. 23, 2023 Anthony Williams was born in Detroit and attended Cooley High School and WC3 college for HVAC. He later became an entrepreneur in landscaping services and named the business in memory of his best friend (Irv Gip Lawn Services). He loved being around family and friends. He had a contagious laugh and was the life of any party and he loved dancing. He was always willing to help someone and he had a beautiful soul. Anthony leaves to cherish his m...
Richard Roundtree, who played the iconic lead character in the 1971 movie Shaft and its sequels, has died at the age of 81. The actor passed away on Tuesday "after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside," per our sister site Deadline. "Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree," the actor's agency said in a statement. "His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy...
Singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte died Tuesday at his home in New York of congestive heart failure, his representative Paula Witt said in a statement Tuesday morning. Known as the "King of Calypso," Belafonte will be regarded as one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. Belafonte was born Harold George Bellafaniti, Jr. in Harlem in 1927. His parents were both born in Jamaica, providing the young Belafonte a musical influence the whole world would eventually come to know...
JESSIE ENGLISH MAR. 28, 1947 – NOV. 1, 2022 Jessie Ruth English was born in Detroit and graduated from Northwestern High in 1965. After graduation she received a BA from Wayne State University and a MS from University of Detroit in 1994. She worked for the State of Michigan MESC for 25 years and retired in 1997. She loved playing bingo, knitting and reading. She loved traveling with her son and grandchildren and taking her grandchildren to different places. She was a loving and caring mother t...
GEORGE WEAVER FEB. 21, 1943 – NOV. 4, 2022 George William Weaver was born in Detroit and graduated from Northeastern High School and attended Highland Park Community College. George worked for the City of Detroit Wastewater and Sewage Dept and retired after serving over 25 years. He loved to dance and loved most genres of music. He was an avid reader and loved knowledge. He was a person of deep thought and could talk on many subjects. He leaves to cherish his memory, his family and a host of o...
John James Conyers Jr. (May 16, 1929 – October 27, 2019) was an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as a U.S. representative for Michigan from 1965 to 2017. The districts he represented always included part of western Detroit. During his final three terms, his district included many of Detroit's western suburbs, as well as a large portion of the Downriver area. Conyers served more than fifty years in Congress, becoming the sixth-longest serving member of Congress in U.S. h...
On March 29, 1936, Willie & Elvia Lee Washington became the proud parents to two bundles of joy. Dorothy was the oldest of five to be born to this union. The Washington children, Dorothy, Doris, Willie, Robert, and Elaine were raised by their maternal grandparents, Cordie and Sarah Rivers. Dorothy was christened as an infant at Union Second Baptist Church by Rev. Copeland at the Palmerston location. When the church moved to 459 Beechwood, she moved right along with them and remained a faithful...
Legendary actor Sidney Poitier, who broke barriers and stood for justice and Black lives during the most tumultuous times of the civil rights movement, has died. Poitier, whose iconic 71-year career, included starring roles in "A Raisin in the Sun," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Uptown Saturday Night," was 94. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed. In an exclusive phone call with the Black Press of America, Bill Cosby said he will miss his long-time friend and co-star. "He was honored...
Denyse was born in Detroit and graduated from Cass Technical High School. At nineteen she was employed at Ford Motor Company. While there she attended Wayne State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. Besides her initial degree, she held an Associate's Degree, a Masters Degree from Central University and a Bachelors Degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. Even though she joined Ford as a custodian, she was soon promoted to a clerical position. Her...
BARBARA J. JACKSON JUL. 24, 1937 – FEB. 12, 2021 Barbara J. Jackson, 83 of San Diego, CA was born to the union of Tom and Lovie Lee. She was educated in the River Rouge school district. She was the loving mother of two children, Thomas Lovelle Moss, who preceded her in death and Leona Dossie Turner who cared for her mother until the end. She was the beloved wife to the love of her, Samuel L. Jackson, who remained by her side until she took her last breath. Barbara dedicated her life to J...
JAMES 'HIKEE' HIGHTOWER JUN. 12, 1950 – NOV. 19, 2020 James was born in River Rouge and educated in the River Rouge School District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University. He served as a tutor and mentor for many students to encourage them to further their education. He worked as a Building Inspector and Constable for the City of River Rouge and was a Trustee for the River Rouge School Board. He was affectionately known as "Hikee" He was an advisor for many political l...
In loving memory of Kevin Louis Charles Hamilton, better known as 'Charlie Smooth", who passed away on Saturday, February 1. 2020 in his home amongst the people he loved and cherished the most. His going home services were Saturday, February 8, 2020 at New Greater Bethlehem Temple Community Apostolic Church, under the pastorate of Bishop Anthony V. Price, where Kevin was Assistant Pastor. Kevin was greatly loved by everyone, especially his church family. Kevin was a life-long Ecorse resident....
