In 2023, we lost more of our heroes, luminaries who distinguished themselves in the arts, business, media and music.
They were titans in their respective industries whose contributions will continue reverberating beyond our city’s borders.
Their works will endure perpetually as poetry on the page, haircare products on our shelves, characters on big and small screens and sculptures — forged in copper, stone and steel — that adorn our public spaces throughout the globe.
We compiled the obituaries we wrote in 2023 to honor these giants who bore some connection to our Chicago, either through birth, residence or work.
- Dr. Johari M. Amini-Hudson: Dr. Johari M. Amini-Hudson, Third World Press Co-Founder, Has Passed Away
- Harry Belafonte: What Our 2009 Interview With Harry Belafonte Taught Us
- Andre Braugher: Chicagoan and Emmy-Winning Actor Andre Braugher Dies at 61
- DJ Casper: DJ Casper, Creator of Iconic ‘Cha Cha Slide,’ Dies After Cancer Battle
- Joyce Chapman: Chicago Mourns the Loss of Civic Leader and Activist Joyce Chapman
- Bettiann Gardner: Soft Sheen Co-Founder Bettiann Gardner, Trailblazer in Black Hair Care, Dies at 93
- Edward G, Gardner: Soft Sheen Founder Hair Care Products Founder Dies at 98
- Richard Hunt: Renowned Sculptor Richard Hunt, Shaped by Tragedy and Triumph, Dies at 88
- David Michael Milliner: David Michael Milliner, Former Defender Editor and Publisher, Passes Away
- William D. “Bill” Pinkney: Bill Pinkney, First Black Person to Sail the Globe Solo, Dies at 87
- Harry Porterfield: Beloved Newsman Harry Porterfield Dies at 95, Leaving a Towering Legacy
- Worsom Robinson: Iconic Chicago Photojournalist ‘Worsom’ Robinson Passes
- Richard Roundtree: Remembering Richard Roundtree: His Life Before ‘Shaft’ Stardom
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