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How did Timuel Black die? Historian and civil rights activist dead at 102

Black, who was a professor of social science at the City Colleges, worked with Dr Martin Luther King Jr in the housing issues protest in Chicago

Civil Rights activist, educator and historian, Timuel Dixon Black died on Wednesday, October 13. He was 102 years old. His wife, Zenobia Johnson-Black confirmed the news of his demise. "I just can’t imagine life without him. He’s been so supportive and has been my protector, my confidante. I miss him already, " she said. No cause of death is known at the moment.

Former president Barack Obama paid condolences to Black and said, "Today, we lost an icon with the passing of Timuel Black. Over his 102 years, Tim was many things: a veteran, historian, author, educator, civil rights leader, and humanitarian. Michelle and I send our thoughts to his family, and everyone who loved him." We have witnessed the demise of many great names in 2021. Bob Moses, Sasha Johnson, and Erin Gilmer are to name a few.

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Black, who was a professor of social science for many years at the City Colleges of Chicago, worked with Dr Martin Luther King Jr in the housing issues protest for poor residents living on Chicago's West Side. He migrated with his family to Chicago from Alabama in 1919. At the age of 23, Black served the US army during World War II. For his exceptional service, he was awarded four Battle Stars, a War Cross and the National Order of the Legion of Honor. Upon his return, Black attended Roosevelt University and received a master's degree at the University of Chicago. In 1963, he helped organize the Chicago contingent of 2,000 people that would attend the historic March on Washington. Black wrote several books namely, 'Bridges of Memory' about African Americans who left the South and came to Chicago in search of a better life, and 'Sacred Ground, the Chicago Streets of Timuel Black'.

Following his demise, Black's wife, Zenobia thanked everyone for their outpouring of support, and said, "My husband would say, just do your best to help this world be a better place." "Tim left his mark on this city, on his friends who knew him and on those who knew of him, and he would like for his legacy to be an inspiration to people who are trying to make this world a better place, because that’s all he tried to do, " she added.

'Rest in Power Timuel Black'

Tributes poured in from all over social media for the great icon. One person tweeted, "Today is for Timuel Black, one of the in Chicago's history, activist, teacher, safe-keeper and legend. 102 years of EXCELLENCE! Blessings on the journey to ancestor #RIP" Another wrote, "Rest in Power Timuel Black. I had the privilege of moderating a #CivilRights plenary at the @kennedyforum, starring this amazing human. Mr. Black graced our world for 102 years, and he never stopped fighting to make it a better one. And that twinkle in his eyes! #TimuelBlack"

One tweet read, "RIP DR TIMUEL BLACK! He lived 102 years, a majority of them spent of telling our stories. Not gonna hold you, he helped pave the road for me and every other Black storyteller that is and was born and raised in this city. INSPIRATION IS NOT THE WORD." Another person tweeted, "Saddened by the passing of Tim Black at 102. He was a seminal figure in Chicago’s movements for civil rights and political reform. R.I.P."