Impressive Black Athletes
There have been so many impactful and powerful Black athletes throughout history, but here are some notable Black athletes who have died in the past ten years.
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron who played for the Atlanta Braves is one of the most iconic baseball players of all time. In fact, he still holds the record for most runs batted in (2,297), which is more than even New York Yankees player Babe Ruth.
Aaron had many other notable career records such as most career total bases (6,856) and most career extra base hits.
He was also the last Negro League player to compete in the majors.
After retiring as a player, Aaron became one of baseball’s first Black executives for the Atlanta Braves.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
He passed away in his sleep at the age of 86 in 2021.
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Terrell Jackson was an American professional football player who played as a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League.
He played college football at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a three-time All-Conference choice and a two-time All-American selection. As a result the University inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2018.
Later, the San Diego Chargers drafted him in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Notably, Jackson signed an entry-level contact worth $3.3 million over five years in his rookie season.
He was also the founder of the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, a non-profit organization. His goal with this charity was to strengthen the bond between deployed troops and their families stateside.
He died February 15, 2021 at the age of 38.
Marvin Haglar
Marvelous Marvin Hagler was an American professional boxer and film actor.
He competed in boxing from 1973 to 1987 and reigned as the undisputed champion of the middleweight division from 1980 to 1987. During this time he had twelve successful title defenses, securing those wins in all but one by knockout.
He was a very motivational kind person who did a lot for his community.
Promoter Bob Arum said, “He was a real man, loyal and just a fantastic person.”
He died March 13, 2021.
Lee Evans
Lee Edward Evans was an American sprinter.
He gained original attention when he won Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 440-yard championship at the age of 19.
Later, in 1966 he won the 400-meter race at the Pan American Games.
He won two gold medals in the 1968 Summer Olympics, setting world records in the 400 meters and the 4 × 400 meters relay, both of which stood for 20 and 24 years respectively.
Lee was also a political activist and used his position as a way to highlight his beliefs.
In the Olympic medal ceremonies, he wore black berets when receiving his medals to protest racial injustice in the United States.
He died in Nigeria in 2021.
Lusia Harris
Lusia “Lucy” Harris Stewart, also known as “The queen of basketball is a pioneer in women’s basketball.
Leading a rural Mississippi college to three national titles, scoring the first basket in women’s Olympic history in 1976!
The first and only woman to be drafted into the NBA!
She was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz, 137th pick overall!
She really inspired a lot of women and played a huge part in women’s basketball to this day!
Died January 18, 2022 in Greenwood Miss. at the age of 66!