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

Source: Reach Media / Urban One

UPDATED: 5:00 pm EST June 18, 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.

Esaw Snipes-Garner, a dedicated activist and widow of Eric Garner, passed away at the age of 58 due to undisclosed health complications. Her death was announced by Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN), with heartfelt tributes highlighting her resilience and advocacy.

Esaw became a prominent voice against police brutality following the tragic death of her husband, Eric Garner, in 2014. Eric Garner’s death, caused by a prohibited chokehold during an encounter with NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo, sparked national outrage. Despite video evidence and a medical examiner ruling it a homicide, Pantaleo was not indicted, fueling widespread protests and calls for justice.

Esaw, alongside her daughter Erica and mother-in-law Gwen Carr, tirelessly campaigned against police violence. Erica, who tragically passed away in 2017 at just 27, led numerous protests, including impactful “die-ins” at the site of her father’s death. Esaw’s activism, marked by her collaboration with Rev. Sharpton, shed light on the emotional toll of systemic injustice.

Though the Garner family never saw full justice, their efforts led to significant milestones, including a $5.9 million settlement and the renaming of the street where Eric Garner died to “Eric Garner Way.” Esaw’s legacy is one of strength, advocacy, and an unwavering fight for justice, even in the face of profound personal loss.

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