2005 saw the passing of many men and women who have shaped our recent history. From successful recording artists to publishers to civil rights pioneers, losing them reminds us of their achievements and contributions and the importance of keeping their memories alive for future generations.

 

Rosa Parks

Often called the mother of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks' single act of defiance helped to spark resistance of the segregation laws that existed in the southern US and the struggle for civil rights. Her body was held in state in Washington DC, the first woman and second African American to do so. Her funeral was attended by a former US president, and President Bush paid his respects.

Richard Pryor

The comedian that inspired the likes of Eddie Murphy and Richard Blackwood died of a heart attack, and had battled multiple sclerosis. He was one of the most bankable and powerful stars of Hollywood, a talented writer, comedian and chronicler of the African American experience.

Luther Vandross

Multi award-winning vocalist and lyricist who sang of love and relationships defined 80s and 90s R&B and influenced a whole slew of artists. Selling more than 25 million CDs, Vandross never fully recovered from a stroke that debilitated him in 2003.

Johnnie Cochran

The flamboyant lawyer who successfully defended OJ Simpson, Snoop Dogg and Michael Jackson also was known for defending ordinary black people - he liked to say his career was equal representation of 'the OJs and no Js'. He died of a brain tumour, aged 67.

 

We must also remember the loss of Anthony Walker, who was murdered by two racists in Liverpool. His story had echoes of Stephen Lawrence's - subjected to racial abuse before being horrifically attacked with an ice pick. We will never know what Anthony could have achieved. We also pay respects to his mother Gee Verona Walker, whose dignity and capacity for forgiveness touched so many of us.

The brutal murder of Rochelle Holness whose dismembered body was found in bin bags on the Milford Towers Estate in Catford, South London shocked the community, and since her death, her mother Mrs. Bennett has been campaigning for better protection of young people. A man has been charged with Rochelle's murder.

We would also like to say Rest in peace to:

Those who lost their lives in the July 7th Bombings

Lou Rawls, singer, who died of lung cancer earlier this week, aged 72

Ossie Davis, award winning actor, playwright, activist and director

Shirley Chisholm, first black woman elected to US Congress

Ron Winans, gospel singer

Jimmy Smith, jazz organist

John H Johnson, publisher of Ebony magazine

Willie Hutch, Motown producer and singer and rare groove favourite here in Britain

Harold Cruse, author and educator

Junior Delgado, roots reggae singer

Gerald 'Bogle' Levy, dancer

 

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