A Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, LLC. Publication

BPC honors the contributions and legacy of notable leaders in the Social Impact Sector, who we lost in 2024. These influential Social Justice leaders left indelible marks on the landscape of social justice, education, and cultural advancement in America. These remarkable individuals shaped policies, transformed institutions, and created lasting change in their communities.

From civil rights pioneers, education reformers, healthcare advocates, and cultural preservation leaders, these Notable Deaths of BIPOC leaders represent decades of progress in advancing equity and inclusion. Their work continues to influence current and future generations of change-makers.

This tribute honors their extraordinary contributions across multiple sectors – from grassroots activism to corporate leadership and youth development to philanthropic innovation. We examine their lasting impact and the foundations they built for continued progress in social justice and community empowerment.

Civil Rights and Social Justice Pioneers

The year 2024 marked the passing of several towering figures in civil rights and social justice, each leaving a legacy of transformative change and unwavering dedication to equality.

Groundbreaking Legal Advocates

Morris Overstreet made history as the first African American elected to statewide office in Texas, serving on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals from 1991-98. His groundbreaking appointment opened doors for future generations of Black legal professionals. Christopher Edley, Jr., former commissioner of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and co-founder of the Harvard Civil Rights Project, shaped legal education and policy until his passing in May 2024.

Grassroots Movement Leaders

Religious leaders emerged as powerful voices for community change. Rev. William Lawson, who passed at 95, led the Houston chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for over three decades. His contemporary, Rev. James Lawson, a distinguished Freedom Rider and Nashville student activist, continued his civil rights work until his passing in June 2024.

The movement lost several pioneering women activists, including:

• Dorie Ladner, a vital member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
• Dr. Helena Hicks, who helped desegregate Read Drug Stores in Baltimore
• Tessie Prevost, who integrated her New Orleans elementary school
• Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of The Freedom Singers

Policy Change Champions

Lilly Ledbetter, whose name became synonymous with workplace equality, passed in October 2024. Her fight for fair pay inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, a steadfast advocate for women’s rights and voting rights, led the League of Women Voters until her passing.

William Strickland, who worked alongside Malcolm X, continued supporting the Black Power movement until his death at 87. His contemporary, David Mixner, challenged discriminatory military policies as an LGBTQ+ activist and presidential adviser.

Alma Rangel, a pivotal force behind the Congressional Black Caucus and wife of former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel, died this this year, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of civil rights advocacy and political leadership. Her instrumental role in establishing the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 helped create one of the most influential political organizations representing African American interests in Congress. Alma Rangel worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organizing crucial meetings and building coalitions that would shape Black political representation for decades to come.

Her dedication to civil rights and community service, particularly in Harlem, exemplified the transformative power of grassroots political engagement and family-centered leadership. Her impact on Harlem politics was characterized by a unique blend of social activism and practical problem-solving. Through her position with the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, she addressed immediate community needs while building lasting institutions. The Alma Rangel Gardens stands as a testament to her commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for Harlem’s aging population.

Throughout her career, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee demonstrated a remarkable ability to transform academic knowledge into meaningful community action. Her work in Houston’s 18th Congressional District exemplifies how educational theory can create lasting social change. As the “Voice of Reason” in Congress, Jackson Lee consistently championed initiatives that brought educational opportunities to underserved communities. Her approach focused on practical solutions, leading to significant federal resource allocation for public schools and support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Her remarkable ability to transform classroom learning into meaningful community action has left lasting marks on Houston’s educational landscape. Through securing millions in federal funding, establishing innovative programs, and fighting for expanded educational access, Jackson Lee demonstrated that education serves as both a ladder of opportunity and a tool for social change.

Jackson Lee’s perfect voting record on education issues and tireless advocacy for HBCUs reflect her deep-rooted belief that quality education should reach every American, regardless of background. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who understand that academic achievement and social justice progress go hand in hand.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, a trailblazer whose impact on social justice and community development continues to inspire us all. A champion of change who impacted the lives of communities who needed support the most. Her groundbreaking policy initiatives to her tireless advocacy for education, Congresswoman Johnson has left an indelible mark on our nation. Her philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond her district.

We remember the moment, we all witnessed her passion firsthand. During a community forum, her words electrified the room, igniting a fire for change in everyone present. She didn’t just speak about progress; she embodied it.

Congresswoman Johnson’s legacy reminds us that one person’s dedication can indeed move mountains. Her work in nonprofits and her commitment to diversity and inclusion have set a new standard for public service.

Education and Youth Development Trailblazers

Educational leadership lost several influential BIPOC voices in 2024, leaving behind transformative legacies in academic excellence and institutional change.

Higher Education Innovators

The academic community mourned the loss of several pioneering administrators who challenged systemic barriers in higher education. Research shows that public school teachers across the United States remain predominantly White, despite serving a majority non-White student population. These leaders worked tirelessly to address such disparities.

Joanne Epps, Temple University’s first Black woman president, exemplified breakthrough leadership until her unexpected passing. Her posthumous presidential appointment by the Board of Trustees honored four decades of service, during which she rose from law school dean to executive vice president.

K-12 Education Reformers

This year marked significant losses among K-12 education champions who fought against persistent inequities. Studies reveal that predominantly nonwhite school districts receive $23 billion less annually than their predominantly white counterparts. Notable reformers worked to address these funding gaps through:

• Advocacy for equitable resource distribution
• Implementation of culturally responsive teaching methods
• Development of inclusive curriculum standards

Youth Mentorship Leaders

The youth development sector lost several BIPOC pioneers who created lasting impact through mentorship programs. MENTOR Nebraska’s Excellence in Mentoring Awards highlighted their contributions across multiple categories:

• Young Leader of the Year
• Mentor of the Year
• Mentoring Practitioner of the Year
• Mentoring Advocate of the Year

Angela Chambers, Youth Program Development & Engagement Director, left behind a legacy of empowering youth through cultural activities and sports. Her work with the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center demonstrated the power of combining arts education with youth development.

The loss of these education trailblazers comes at a critical time when studies show Black students face disproportionate disciplinary measures, being four times more likely to experience out-of-school suspensions than their White peers. Their collective work in addressing these systemic challenges continues to inspire new generations of educational leaders committed to equity and inclusion.

Healthcare and Public Health Advocates

The healthcare sector mourned the loss of several pioneering BIPOC leaders in 2024, whose work revolutionized access to quality care and addressed longstanding health disparities.

Health Equity Champions

Robert Ingram, founder of the Urban Health Report, dedicated his career to eliminating health disparities in BIPOC communities. His groundbreaking digital platform amplified the voices of health leaders and innovators who reimagined wellness for underserved populations. The Society for Human Resource Management recognized his contributions by naming him one of America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders.

Sara J. White transformed pharmacy practice through her visionary leadership before her passing in September 2024. Her research in 2005 identified an impending pharmacy leadership crisis, leading to groundbreaking initiatives supporting women in pharmacy leadership roles. White’s legacy includes establishing vital mentorship programs and contributing to the Pharmacy Leadership Academy.

Mental Health Pioneers

Bebe Moore Campbell’s impact on minority mental health continues to resonate. As co-founder of NAMI-Inglewood, she created safe spaces for Black communities to discuss mental health concerns. Her advocacy led Congress to designate July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, addressing unique challenges facing BIPOC communities.

Key mental health initiatives in 2024 included:

• First Call’s efforts to reduce overdose deaths and eliminate disparities between White and Black residents
• The LGBTQ Center Long Beach’s provision of counseling services regardless of income
• BUILD’s support for young people impacted by violence and trauma

Community Health Leaders

Community-based organizations advocated for broader insurance coverage for behavioral health care and higher reimbursement for treatment services. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline launch represented a significant step in providing support to new mothers and their families.

The Centers for Disease Control reported that Black Americans, particularly Black women, experienced higher rates of severe sadness and hopelessness compared to other populations. In response, approximately 16% of Black and African American people sought mental health support in the past year, highlighting the growing recognition of mental health care importance in BIPOC communities.

Arts and Cultural Leadership Icons

The arts and cultural landscape experienced profound losses in 2024, as several pioneering BIPOC leaders who shaped American cultural institutions and artistic expression passed away.

In 2024, we lost the legendary music producer, Quincy Jones, who had been orchestrating change in ways that resonate beyond the charts. Quincy’s commitment to social justice, non-profit work, and philanthropy hit all the right notes for decades.

From founding the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation to support youth in underserved communities, to his tireless advocacy for racial equality, Quincy composed a symphony of positive change. His philanthropic efforts have touched lives across the globe, proving that his talents aren’t limited to creating chart-topping hits.

Quincy once said, “The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.” In philanthropy, he hit it out of the park consistently. His work inspired countless others to use their platforms for good, creating a ripple effect of generosity and social consciousness.

Museum and Institution Builders

The year saw significant transitions in museum leadership, with several institutions appointing BIPOC leaders to key positions. Le Monte G. Booker Sr. took the helm as president and CEO of Newfields, while Jessica Bell Brown assumed the role of executive director at the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ryan N. Dennis’s appointment as co-director and chief curator of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston marked another milestone in institutional leadership.

Arts Education Pioneers

Faith Ringgold, whose passing marked the end of an era, left an extraordinary legacy in arts education. Her work, spanning vibrant pictorial quilts to children’s books, is now housed in prestigious institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The Arts Education Partnership celebrated 25 years of ensuring equitable access to arts education, having engaged thousands of arts partners and professionals while managing a $17 million federal investment.

Key achievements in arts education include:

• Development of evidence-based practices for arts instruction
• Creation of groundbreaking publications and online tools
• Integration of arts into curriculum and learning experiences
• Building authentic relationships with BIPOC-led organizations

Cultural Preservation Leaders

Nikki Giovanni, an iconic voice of the Black Arts Movement, authored more than 30 books and drew thousands to her readings. Her work exploring Black pride, power, and everyday life continues to influence contemporary cultural expression.

Judith Jamison’s leadership of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1999 to 2011 redefined Black modern dance. Her interpretation of “Cry” established her as a modern dance icon, while her subsequent role as artistic director expanded the company’s influence.

The year also marked the passing of Ella Jenkins, known as “the first lady of children’s music,” whose recordings for Smithsonian Folkways celebrated diverse cultural traditions worldwide. Her work as a centenarian and civil rights activist demonstrated the enduring power of cultural preservation through artistic expression.

Contemporary arts leaders continue building on these legacies. The SCAD Museum of Art appointed Andreia Wardlaw as director of the Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies, furthering the mission of showcasing Black art and culture through exhibitions and programming.

Corporate and Nonprofit Diversity Champions

Corporate America and the nonprofit sector bid farewell to several influential BIPOC leaders in 2024, whose work reshaped organizational approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DEI Transformation Leaders

The year witnessed significant challenges for BIPOC executives in leadership positions. Studies revealed that 53% of BIPOC executive leaders felt pressured to represent their entire community, compared to just 23% of their white counterparts. Despite these pressures, Black women leaders continued pushing for institutional change, with research showing they donate 25% more of their annual income than white households.

Nonprofit Founders and Executives

Indira Henard’s research highlighted concerning trends in nonprofit leadership, with 90% of Black women executives reporting negative health impacts from their work. The sector faced a critical turning point as studies showed only 19% of regional leaders believed their area supported Black women leaders effectively.

Key challenges faced by BIPOC nonprofit leaders included:

• Inequitable funding, with organizations led by people of color receiving smaller grants
• Pay disparities, with Black women earning 66 cents for every dollar earned by white men
• Increased expectations to perform additional duties not required of white leadership

Philanthropic Pioneers

Ann Lurie, whose passing marked the end of an era in philanthropy, left behind a legacy of transformative giving. Her $100 million gift to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago represented the largest donation in the institution’s 125-year history. Her commitment to medical research and education included establishing multiple professorships and research centers.

The year also saw the expansion of Black-led philanthropic initiatives. The California Black Freedom Fund committed $100 million over five years to strengthen Black-led organizations. Meanwhile, the Black Arts Futures Fund granted $115,000 to support twelve Black-led cultural organizations across eight states.

Research from the Bridgespan consulting firm highlighted persistent funding inequities, with BIPOC-led organizations receiving less grant money and facing greater restrictions on spending decisions. Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Power of She Fund emerged to support women of color entrepreneurs with $10,000 grants for wellness-focused ventures.

The loss of these leaders comes at a crucial time when studies show that 70% of Black women executives agree they’ve been under increased pressure in recent years. Their collective work laid the groundwork for more equitable institutional practices, even as the sector continues addressing systemic barriers to BIPOC leadership advancement.

Record-Breaking Giving Milestones

Major philanthropic institutions made unprecedented commitments to Black-led organizations in 2024, marking a significant shift in funding patterns. Bloomberg Philanthropies led with a historic $600 million commitment to four historically Black medical schools, providing $175 million each to Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Meharry Medical College.

The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs demonstrated substantial growth through their Black Renaissance Fund, which is set to deploy $3.2 million to Black-led CDFIs by year’s end. This initiative addresses a critical funding gap, as Black-led CDFIs in the network identified a capital shortfall of $35 million between available resources and community demand.

In terms of total financial impact, foundations have directed $16.8 billion through 78,133 grants for racial equity initiatives since 2020.

Geographic Distribution of Giving

The geographic landscape of Black foundation giving revealed striking regional patterns in 2024, with the U.S. South emerging as a crucial focus area. More than half of Black Americans (56%) reside in the Southern states, making this region central to philanthropic impact

Urban vs Rural Impact

Rural communities face persistent funding challenges, with 91 of the 100 most disadvantaged communities in the United States being rural. The Black rural South sits at a critical intersection of three funding challenges: rural underfunding, historical Southern underinvestment, and reduced support for leaders of color.

Impact investing has gained momentum in addressing these disparities. Prudential Financial, partnering with the Kresge and Annie E. Casey Foundations, created Invest4All, a $130 million fund focused on communities of color in Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans.

A life dedicated to making the world a better place

We honor President Jimmy Carter’s unwavering commitment to social impact, philanthropy, and social justice. President Carter was a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to improve lives across the globe.

From championing human rights to eradicating diseases, Carter’s legacy is a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance. His work with Habitat for Humanity has provided safe homes for countless families, while his efforts in conflict resolution have fostered peace in troubled regions.

His humble leadership and tireless advocacy have inspired generations to stand up for what’s right and lend a helping hand to those in need. In a world that often seems divided, Carter’s life work shows us the transformative power of unity and compassion.

The Way Forward for 2025 and Beyond

The passing of these remarkable BIPOC leaders and milestones in 2024 marks a profound moment of reflection for American society. Their collective achievements – from groundbreaking civil rights victories to transformative educational reforms, healthcare innovations to artistic excellence – have permanently altered the landscape of equity and inclusion.

These leaders broke barriers despite significant challenges, proving that meaningful change comes through persistent dedication and unwavering vision. Civil rights pioneers like Morris Overstreet and Rev. William Lawson paved paths in justice and activism. Educational trailblazers such as Joanne Epps transformed academic institutions. Healthcare advocates Robert Ingram and Sara J. White revolutionized access to quality care. Cultural icons like Faith Ringgold and Nikki Giovanni enriched American artistic expression.

Their work remains unfinished, as disparities persist across sectors – from educational funding gaps to healthcare access inequities. Yet their legacies live on through the institutions they built, the policies they shaped, and the countless lives they touched. New generations of BIPOC leaders continue advancing their vision, building upon these strong foundations to create more equitable communities and institutions.

Bridge Philanthropic Consulting is deeply committed to social impact and our entire Team remains focused on making a difference in the lives of generations to come.