Special to the NNPA from the New York Carib News Sylvia Woods, the proprietor of well known Harlem restaurant Sylvia’s, passed away last Thursday at the age of 86. Woods passed away at home surrounded by family in Westchester, NY. On Tuesday thousands came out for a viewing and wake for woods at Abyssinian Baptist [...]

Sherman Hemsley, the actor who made the irascible, bigoted George Jefferson of “The Jeffersons” one of television’s most memorable characters and a symbol for urban upward mobility, has died. He was 74. Police in El Paso, Texas, said late Tuesday that Hemsley was found dead at a local home where neighbors said he’d lived for [...]

Homegoing services were held recently for Franklin Words, Sr. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 210 W. Garfield Avenue in Milwaukee. Franklin Words, Sr. was born on March 26, 1921 to the union of Benjamin and Ida Words in Atoka, Tennessee. Frank accepted Christ as his savior early in age. Frank received his formal education [...]

Special to the NNPA from the NY Carib News Hal Jackson, one of the “Founding Fathers” of broadcasting, was known as a unique pioneer who broke numerous color barriers in the entertainment industry. He was a civil rights crusader, a civic leader, an icon, and a living legend. He was an inspiration to many; launching [...]

By Dr. Mary Ellen Strong-Gaines As I talked with my friend and pastor, Diego Mesa of Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA; he marveled at the things I told him of Donna Summer. I told him of my years as a friend and he encouraged me to share this experience with the world. [...]

Avery Lee Goodrich Sr., made the most difficult things in life look easy but it took courage, focus, determination, perseverance, hard work, compassion and hope. He used these gifts to inspire others to succeed in life. Avery Lee Goodrich was a gold star educator and a humble servant of God. As a son, husband, father, [...]

By Lynda Jones Homegoing services were held on Saturday, April 14 for Larry Reed, Sr., one of Milwaukee’s longtime leaders who made his mark in the arena of athletics, business and church during his lifetime. Family and friends paid their last respects and celebrated the life of Reed, Sr. last weekend during visitation and repast [...]

A host of friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Reginald Dudley Trotman last Thursday, March 1, 2012 at St. Mark AME Church, located at 1616 W. Atkinson Ave. with the Rev. Darryl R. Williams officiating. Trotman passed on Wed., Feb. 22, 2012 at the age of 90 yearsold. Trotman was born in [...]

By Dr. Benjamin Chavis NNPA Columnist The entire world community will continue to be positively impacted by the unprecedented, creative and spirit-edifying eloquent contributions from the gifted-voice and artistic genius of Whitney Houston. While we affectionately mourn her passing with the greatest of sorrow and condolence, we should take this moment forthrightly to affirm the [...]

Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. (Contributing Writer) and Brandon I. Brooks (Asst. Managing Editor) Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel Don Cornelius launched the world famous “Soul Train” television series in the early 70’s after working as a journalist during the civil rights movement. The movement inspired him to create an avenue for [...]