Rev. Randy F. Allison Jr., Pastor of Greater New Unity Baptist Church, Passed Away
Elgin Nelson
Rev. Randy F. Allison Jr., pastor for Greater New Unity Baptist Church, has passed away. He was 45. He has served as first vice moderator of Providence Missionary Baptist District Association. The Greater New Unity community released a statement following the news: “As you receive this information, we ask that you lift up the Allison and Greater New Unity family in prayer. Pastor Randy F Allison Jr. was a Pastor, husband, son, friend and so much more. Please allow us the time and space necessary to deal with our heartbreak. Thank you for all of your love and support.” Pastor Michael Fisher of Greater Zion Church Family says losing Allison was a great loss to the church community in Los Angeles. “He was a friend to many preachers and many ministries across LA. He helped whenever they needed it. He was always an encouragement, and never had anything bad to say about anyone. And most importantly, he had a loving heart. Pastor K.W. Tulloss, President of the Baptist Ministers Conference, said that Allison’s death came as a shock. “This death was a shock. I’ve known him for over 28 years. He had a loving heart. He was an educator. He was a husband, and he was a pastor of a thriving Baptist Church here in the city, so it’s definitely a shock to the entire Baptist faith community of Los Angeles.” Pastor Xavier Thompson, Southern Missionary Baptist Church, was a larger-than-life presence that will be missed by many in the faith community. “Pastor Randy Allison had a unique anointing on his life, a unique grace that attracted all to him. He was a larger-than-life presence with a gentle voice. He wasn’t arrested by vain ambition, but authentic. He was genuine and what you see in him is what you got.”
Mary J. Blige & A Tribe Called Quest Headline Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
Elgin Nelson
Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest are set to join the esteemed ranks of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2024, alongside luminaries like Kool & The Gang, Cher, and Ozzy Osbourne. Described by the Rock Hall chairman as a group that broke down musical barriers, the diverse inductees have left an indelible mark on music history. Blige, a Bronx native, emerged as a transformative figure in R&B, blending hip-hop, soul, and poignant lyrics inspired by legends like Aretha Franklin. A global superstar with numerous accolades, her debut album “What’s the 411?” catapulted her to stardom. Meanwhile, A Tribe Called Quest, formed in Queens in 1985, revolutionized hip-hop with their innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics. Despite setbacks, including the loss of member Phife Dawg in 2016, they continued to push boundaries until disbanding in 2017. The induction ceremony is slated for October 19, to be broadcast on Disney+ and ABC, with Hulu airing the event the following day.
Louis Gossett Jr. Cause of Death Revealed
Elgin Nelson
The passing of Hollywood icon Lou Gossett Jr., at 87 in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 29, due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was confirmed by multiple sources this week. Known for his historic Oscar win as the first Black man to secure the award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983’s “An Officer and a Gentleman,” Gossett’s dedication to his craft earned him acclaim, with co-star Richard Gere praising his commitment to character. His family announced his passing, urging privacy, while highlighting his significant contributions, including founding the Eracism Foundation in the 1990s. Gossett’s legacy extends beyond the screen, with his recent role in the 2023 film adaptation of “The Color Purple” remembered fondly by co-star Colman Domingo, who honored Gossett’s influence and impact on his own career in a heartfelt essay.