Blacks are one of the groups most affected by HIV, currently currently accounting for about half of the people who get HIV and AIDS — although they comprise 14% of the US population.
Many high-profile celebrities have lived and died with the HIV/AIDS as well. The loss of these stars should serve as a reminder of what our community will continue to lose if we don’t educate ourselves, change our behaviors, get tested regularly and get treated to prevent and fight against HIV…which many people forget is very much a preventable disease.
Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989)
Choreographer Alvin Ailey is renowned for popularizing modern dance through his world-famous company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He passed away from AIDS-related diseases at 58.
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.
Eazy-E (September 7, 1963 – March 26, 1995)
As the founder of Ruthless Records and 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.
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.
Howard Rollins (October 17, 1950 – December 8, 1996)
Rollins 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.
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 died at 37 due to AIDS-related illnesses.
READ: Billy Porter Reveals HIV-Positive: “The Truth Shall Set You Free”
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 diet from AIDS-related illness 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.
Bobby DeBarge (March 5, 1956 – August 16, 1995)
In 1988, shortly before being sent to prison for drug trafficking, Bobby DeBarge confided to his family that he had contracted AIDS from intravenous drug use. In 1995, DeBarge became gravely ill and his family sent him to a hospice in Grand Rapids, where he died at 39 from AIDS complications.
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