Bernice Johnson Reagon, the legendary singer, composer, and civil rights activist, has passed away at the age of 81. Her death was confirmed by Courtland Cox, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee’s Legacy Project. Reagon’s remarkable life and career were marked by her powerful contributions to music and social justice.
Reagon co-founded the Freedom Singers during the Civil Rights Movement, using her stirring alto voice to inspire and mobilize activists across the country. She later founded the acclaimed African American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, which became known for its rich harmonies and poignant lyrics addressing social issues.
Throughout her career, Reagon’s music served as a beacon of hope and resistance, blending her talents as a performer with her unwavering commitment to civil rights. Her daughter, Toshi Reagon, shared the news of her passing, reflecting on her mother’s profound impact on both the music world and the fight for equality.
Reagon’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists, reminding us of the enduring power of music in the struggle for justice.