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We are Losing Our Black Elder Statesmen
James Earl Jones and Frankie Beverly
Darth Vader, the voice of several generations, has transitioned to the ancestors. James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93. His deep, robust voice was as familiar as a summer day. He was Darth Vader. He was Mufasa. He was Eddie Murphy’s kingly father in Coming to America. Jones was a voice you listened to and heeded. Now, that voice has been silenced.
Frankie Beverly, part oi the group Maze, passed away today at 77. His last public experience was at the Essence Festival in July. Beverly spoke to a packed audience. He appeared weak, but his voice still carried strength. His music has made people sway, dance, and tap their feet. He will be missed.
While some would argue that both men lived full, long lives, it’s still sad to see cultural icons pass on. We lose Black men by the thousands every year. Many do not have the notoriety as Jones or Beverly, but their presence was vital to their families, friends, and communities. When our elders leave us, there is a void. It’s a hole that isn’t often filled by the younger generations.
More must be done to nurture Black men and help them live long lives. Jones did reach 93 before he died, which is above the average lifespan of Black men in America (average is 68 years old). Beverly also beat the statistic. But it would…
