Jeri Taylor (1938–2024), Star Trek writer and producer

Jeri Taylor was a television writer and producer best known for her work with “Star Trek,” including writing for “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and co-creating “Star Trek: Voyager.” 

Wanda PóÅ‚tawska (1921–2023), Holocaust survivor befriended the Pope

Wanda PóÅ‚tawska was a Polish doctor and author who was tortured in medical experiments by the Nazis, and later went on to befriend the future .

Arnold Díaz (1949–2023), Shame on You consumer watchdog

Arnold Díaz was a reporter and consumer watchdog whose news segments “Shame on You,” “Shame Shame Shame,” and “What a Shame” made him an icon in the New York City news scene and the bane of bad businesses everywhere.

Richard Roundtree (1942–2023), star of Shaft 

Richard Roundtree was an actor who became the first Black action star when he played an ultra-cool private detective in “Shaft.” 

Ashton Carter (1954–2022), former Defense Secretary under President Obama

Ashton Carter was the Defense Secretary under President Obama from 2015 until 2017.

James Michael Tyler (1962–2021), played Gunther on “Friends”

James Michael Tyler was an actor best known for playing Gunther, the barista at Central Perk, on “Friends.”

Leroy Johnson (1929–2019), Georgia’s first Black senator after Reconstruction

Leroy Johnson was Georgia’s first Black state senator elected after Reconstruction, serving from 1963 to 1975. While serving in Georgia’s legislature, Johnson played a pivotal role in desegregating the state capitol building. Also an attorney, Johnson used his knowledge of the law and his status as a state lawmaker to have Muhammad Ali’s boxing license reinstated in 1970 after it had been stripped in 1966 for his refusal to be drafted. Johnson ran for mayor of Atlanta in 1973, but he lost to Maynard Jackson, who became Atlanta’s first Black mayor and served three terms. Johnson was honored in 2017 with the State Bar of Georgia’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jeffersontown Kentucky Shooting Victims (2018)

Mourning two grandparents murdered at a grocery store.

Tony Joe White (1943–2018), “Polk Salad Annie” songwriter

The “swamp rock” musician had songs recorded by Elvis Presley and Tina Turner.

Who Was Fats Domino?

One of the original creators of rock ‘n’ roll music died this week. If you've never heard his music, you're in for a treat— .

Fats Domino (1928–2017), rock ‘n’ roll pioneer gave us a thrill on “Blueberry Hill”

Fats Domino, the early rock 'n' roll superstar who sang enduring songs including "Blueberry Hill," died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 89.

Celebrating Jackie Robinson Day (video)

Jackie Robinson changed baseball when he stepped onto the field on April 15, 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The first Black player in the major leagues since the 1880s, he was under tremendous pressure to succeed—and succeed he did. His talent and ability as a ballplayer was undeniable and he maintained his composure in the face of racist taunts both on field and off. Before the end of the 1947, other African Americans would join him in the big leagues, including fellow future Hall of Famer Larry Doby.

Jackie Robinson's Firsts

Jackie Robinson was one of the greatest trailblazers in sports history. He’s well known for a certain iconic “first”—but his entry into Major League Baseball was just one of many things Robinson did before anyone else. As we celebrate Robinson by remembering all of his historic firsts, we’ll start with one very famous fact.

Inspired by Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks , born Feb. 4, 1913, was one of the great civil rights pioneers of the 20th century. After a lifetime dealing with Montgomery, Alabama's racist law forcing Black citizens who rode city buses to sit in segregated seats at the back, Parks finally decided one Thursday in 1955 to hold her ground and say "no" to discrimination. For her courage, she was arrested, inspiring civil rights activists to boycott the city's buses for more than a year, until finally the city repealed the law.

Bobby Vee (1943 - 2016), 1960s teen idol pop singer

Bobby Vee, the 1960s pop singer whose hits inlcuded "Take Good Care of My Baby" and "Run to Him," has died at 73 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

Maureen O'Hara (1920–2015), Miracle on 34th Street star

Actress Maureen O'Hara, star of classic movies of the golden age of Hollywood including "Miracle on 34th Street" and "The Quiet Man," died in her sleep on October 24, 2015.

Remembering Raul Julia

Raul Julia's celebrated acting career made him one of Puerto Rico's most famous native sons. Born March 9, 1940, Julia was a success on stage with multiple Tony Award nominations to his credit, as well as on TV and movie screens, making his mark with well-loved and award-winning roles. We're celebrating his life today with a look at some of the highlights of his career.

Gene Roddenberry: Where No Man Has Gone Before

Twenty-one years after Gene Roddenberry's death, Star Trek's legacy just keeps growing...