Nikki Giovanni (1943–2024), celebrated poet and activist

Nikki Giovanni was an iconic poet of the 1960s and ‘70s Black Arts Movement who authored more than 30 books.

Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell (1994–2023), Here Comes Honey Boo Boo costar

Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell was the daughter of June “Mama June” Shannon and the half-sister of Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, who appeared with her family on reality TV shows.

Colonel Joseph Kittinger (1928–2022), pioneering aviation hero

Colonel Joseph Kittinger was a retired Air Force command pilot who set a record in 1960 for the longest freefall skydive.

Larry Sellers (1949–2021), "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" actor

Larry Sellers was an actor of Osage, Cherokee, and Lakota ancestry who was best known for playing Cloud Dancing on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."

Cara Williams (1925–2021), Oscar nominee for “The Defiant Ones”

Cara Williams was an actress known for her roles in movies including “The Defiant Ones” and on TV in “Pete and Gladys.”

Carmen Salinas (1939–2021), iconic Mexican actress

Carmen Salinas was a Mexican actress beloved for starring in dozens of telenovelas and movies.

Lina Wertmüller (1928–2021), first woman nominated for a Best Director Oscar

Lina Wertm üller was an Italian filmmaker and the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for directing.

Demaryius Thomas (1987–2021), Denver Broncos wide receiver

Demaryius Thomas was a wide receiver who won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.

Al Unser Sr. (1939–2021), four-time Indy 500 winner

Al Unser Sr. was a racing driver who became one of only four people to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.

Nicholas Kittrie (1926–2019), Pulitzer Prize-nominated author

Nicholas Kittrie was a legal scholar, a law professor, and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of books about international law and morality including “Rebels With a Cause: The Minds and Morality of Political Offenders.” His “The Task Ahead” helped inform the development of the South African constitution, and he co-edited “The Future of Peace in the 21st Century” in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee as part of the celebration of the prize’s 100th anniversary. A professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, Kittrie was the college’s longest-tenured professor and taught for more than 50 years.

Marie Fredriksson (1958–2019), Roxette singer and keyboardist

Marie Fredriksson was the lead singer and keyboardist for Roxette, the Swedish pop duo that had 1980s and ‘90s hits including “The Look” and “It Must Have Been Love.”

Pete Frates (1984–2019), popularized the ALS ice bucket challenge

He raised millions for ALS research.

Kevin Robinson, BMX rider won four gold medals at the X Games

Guinness World Record holder for longest power assisted bicycle backflip…