In Memoriam 2025 | #RolandMartinUnfiltered

Gwen McCrae, known as the 'Queen of Rare Groove,' passed away at 81. Her soulful voice behind hits like 'Rockin' Chair' and 'Funky Sensation' became the soundtrack for countless Black family gatherings. Her influence extended far beyond her era, with artists like Lady Gaga, Mobb Deep, and Cypress Hill sampling her music, proving its timeless appeal.

Gwen McCrae, the soulful voice behind classics like Rock and Chair and Funky Sensation, passed with the age of 81. ...artists like Lady Gaga, Mob Deep, and Cypress Hill have all sampled her music, proving her influence stretches far beyond her era.

R&B giant Angie Stone died at 63 in a vehicle crash. She was celebrated for blending old-school soul with contemporary R&B, bridging classic soul and modern neo-soul. Beyond her artistry, she was a pioneer in early hip-hop as one of the first female stars and was actively battling for her music royalties, as revealed in her last Instagram live video.

R&B giant Angie Stone died in a vehicle crash...Angie was known for her ability to blend old school soul with contemporary rhymes. Her voice, songwriting, and sheer artistry bridged the gap between classic soul and modern R&B. Some said neo soul. ...she was one of the pioneers of hip-hop and one of the first female hip-hop stars. ...she was recently on video talking about her battle over her royalties over the music.

Former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner died at 70. He was lauded for his commitment to economic empowerment for African-Americans during his mayoral term. His administration doubled the number of certified MWSBE (Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises) businesses to over 5,200, with 40% being African-American, and awarded nearly a billion dollars in contracts to Black businesses.

The city of Houston...our budget...6.2 billion...we have done more businesses with MWSBE and more so than any time in the history of the city. ...nearly a billion dollars going specifically just to African-American businesses. ...$927 million. ...we now have a little more than 5,200 [certified MWSBE businesses]. 40% of them are African-American businesses.

Dwayne Wiggins, co-founder of Tony! Toni! Toné!, died at 64 after a battle with bladder cancer. Beyond his iconic music, Wiggins was a dedicated mentor for young artists, providing spaces like a warehouse in East Oakland and a cafe for them to perform and hone their craft. He was known for his generous spirit, supporting Black women running for office, and fostering community through music and personal connection.

Dwayne had a warehouse just a few years ago that he rented out in East Oakland for young artists to perform and hone their craft. ...he opened up a cafe called Java House. ...he helped discover Beyonce and Kesha Cole. ...he did fundraisers for all of us, all black women running for office for free.

Alexis Herman, the first African-American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, died at 76. Her career was marked by trailblazing achievements, from desegregating schools in Mobile, Alabama, to her cabinet role under President Bill Clinton. She was a fierce advocate for raising the minimum wage, protecting child workers, and brokering critical labor deals like the 1997 UPS strike. Herman also served as a mentor for Black women in public policy and leveraged her influence to support Black-owned businesses.

Bill Clinton, President Bill Clinton appointed her 1997 as the first African-American to lead the Department of Labor. ...fierce advocate for raising the minimum wage, protecting child workers...steady leadership during the 1997 UPS strike...major major mentor for lots of black women...she made it known that she wanted them to do business with me and this show. ...she was instrumental in desegregating a school in Mobile Alabama when she was when she was younger.

College basketball legend George Raveling died at 88. Beyond his coaching career and instrumental role in Michael Jordan's Nike endorsement, Raveling held a unique piece of history: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal copy of the 'I Have a Dream' speech. He acquired it spontaneously after King's 1963 speech and kept it for 25 years, even from his wife, before eventually donating it to his alma mater, Villanova University.

He was the first African-American coach in what was then called the Pack 8. ...He played a huge role in Michael Jordan's groundbreaking Nike endorsement deal...Dr. King finishes giving that iconic speech. He's coming off the podium and George Raing says he has no idea why. He just said, 'Hey, can I keep that?' Dr. King said, 'Sure.' ...for 25 years, he didn't tell anybody, even his wife, that he had it. He stored it in an autobiography of Harry Truman...he gave it to his alma mater, Villanova.

Mother Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, died at 111. She became a global icon in her final years, tirelessly advocating for reparatory justice for the destruction of Black Wall Street. Despite her advanced age, she traveled, testified before Congress, and met with national leaders, embodying unwavering commitment to human and civil rights until her passing.

Mother Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa race massacre, has passed away at the age of 111 years old. ...She was among the living survivors who pursued a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa...testifying before Congress. ...she flew to Ghana in 2022...received her Ganaian citizenship at the embassy. ...she was very committed to being out front, very committed to making sure that this story about what happened to her and her family was known to the world.

Grammy-winning gospel artist Richard Smallwood died at 77. He was a pioneer in gospel music, uniquely combining classical and spiritual elements to create a distinctive, globally recognized sound. His compositions, such as 'Total Praise' and 'Center of My Joy,' transcended traditional gospel boundaries, influencing artists like Whitney Houston and Boys II Men, and becoming anthems for diverse audiences worldwide.

Smallwood's career spanned over 50 years, making his name as a composer, gospel singer, and songwriter. ...He put together classical music along with gospel, made a sound all of its own...great songs that became the backdrop of gospel music like I love the Lord, like Center of My Joy...He crossed boundaries. He He wasn't just black gospel. He was gospel music. Period. My sister, well, I call her my sister Whitney Houston loved Richard's music. ...He was before his time to bring us such incredible music and to hear Whitney Houston do a cover and Artha and so many many great Shaka Khan.