Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

Source: Reach Media / Urban One

UPDATED: 6:40 pm EST June 11, 2025

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

Ananda Lewis, beloved former MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away at 52 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for her dynamic presence, Lewis became a cultural icon in the late 1990s when she joined MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. By 1999, The New York Times deemed her “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl.” She left MTV in 2001 to host The Ananda Lewis Show, showcasing her passion for meaningful conversations.

Lewis was also a relentless advocate for breast cancer awareness. Diagnosed with stage III cancer in 2020, she candidly shared her health struggles and regretted delaying mammograms, a decision that allowed her cancer to progress. She used her experiences to emphasize the importance of prevention, writing in Essence, “Prevention is the real cure.”

Beyond her on-screen presence, Lewis wore many hats. She became a carpenter, hosted numerous other shows, and embraced her role as a mother to her son, Langston. Her interviews with icons like Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears, combined with her advocacy and authenticity, marked her as a trailblazer in media. Ananda Lewis leaves a legacy of resilience, talent, and a dedication to encouraging others to cherish and prioritize their health and well-being.

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Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2025 Below