6 The AC Phoenix. February 2013
Black Celebrities Who Have Died From
AIDS
Blacks are one of the groups most affected by HIV, currently currently account
ing for about half of the people who get HIV and AIDS — although they com
prise 14% of the US population.
Many high-profile celebrities have lived and died with the HIV/AIDS as well.The
loss of these stars should serve as a reminder of what our community will con
tinue to lose if we don't educate ourselves, change our behaviors, get tested
regularly and get treated to prevent and fight against HIV.. .which many people
forget is very much a preventable disease.
Alvin Ailey (January 5,1931 - December 1,1989)
Choreographer Alvin Ailey is renowned for popularizing modern dance
through his world-famous company, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
He passed away from AIDS-related diseases at 58.
Eazy-E (September 7,1963 - March 26,1995)
As the founder of Ruthless Records and group N.W.A., Eazy-E is credited with
inventing the genre of gangsta rap. The hip-hop icon died of AIDS-related
illnesses at 31.
Max Robinson (May 1,1939 - December 20,1988)
Robinson became the first black national news anchor in America as the co-an-
chor of ABC Nightly News. He succumbed to AIDS-related complications at 49.
Howard Rollins (October 17,1950 - December 8,1996)
Rollins made a name for himself in memorable roles such as Coalhouse Walker,
Jr. in the 1981 film Ragtime. After struggling with substance abuse, Rollins died
of AIDS-related lymphoma at 46.
Arthur Ashe (July 10,1943 - February 6,1993)
Arthur Ashe was the first African-American man to reach prominence as a pro
fessional tennis player. After contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion in the
'80s, he became an activist to raise awareness about the disease. He died at 49.
Sylvester James (September 6,1947 - December 16,1988)
Better known simply as Sylvester, this disco star released the dance classic "You
Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" in 1978. He passed away due to complications
from AIDS at 41.
Franklyn Seales (July 15,1952 - May 14,1990)
Seales was a television and movie actor best known for playing Dexter Stuffins
on the sitcom Silver Spoons. He died at 37 due to AIDS-related illnesses.