In the face of systemic barriers that demanded conformity, three recently departed, lesser-known pioneers chose to blaze a path of uncompromising brilliance.
These trailblazers—a crusading journalist, an electrifying voice of change and a world-record-setting sprinter—didn’t just excel in their fields, nor are they mere footnotes in history. They redefined the very possibility of Black excellence that provides the headlines, the soundtrack and the inspiration for a changing world.
These are their stories.
The Truth in Print: Ronald Smothers
Ronald Smothers, a veteran reporter who covered racial issues and notable accomplishments of African Americans for nearly four decades, passed away on April 24th in Wilmington, Delaware. He spent 35 years at The New York Times and served as the Atlanta bureau chief during the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Mr. Smothers was 79.
Born on September 3, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Ronald was the only child of Warren Smothers, who ran a janitorial business and Emily Smothers, a kindergarten teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1967 and was among a small group of Black reporters hired by predominantly white newsrooms in the late 1960s, which aimed to enhance their connection with Black communities and provide valuable perspectives during the civil rights movement.
Shortly after graduating, he secured an internship at The Washington Post, and in July 1967, he was dispatched to Newark to cover a violent incident that led to at least 26 fatalities, sparked by the police beating of a Black taxi driver. The following year, after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, he was sent to 14th Street Northwest in Washington to report on the charged atmosphere. While there, he joined a crowd led by Stokely Carmichael (he later adopted the name Kwame Ture), a dynamic, young activist and writer who popularized the term “Black Power”.
After four days of looting and fires, 13 people lost their lives. The Justice Department investigated Mr. Carmichael for possibly causing the riot, but he was not charged. Years later, however, Mr. Smothers would reflect on this in an article for Journal-isms, a website that discusses diversity in journalism, mentioning that The Times had inaccurately reported on the very event he had witnessed.
“Prominently cited in those reports of an investigation was The New York Times’s erroneous version of the very encounter I had witnessed,” he wrote.
Mr. Smothers joined The Times in 1972 and quickly made a name for himself by covering pivotal moments in New York’s civil rights and politics. One of his standout assignments was reporting on Jesse Jackson’s groundbreaking 1984 presidential campaign. Fast forward a bit, and he found himself in a critical role as the Atlanta bureau chief during the aftermath of the 1996 Olympic bombing.
After leaving The Times in 2007, he taught journalism at the University of Delaware. He is survived by two children and a granddaughter.
Mr. Smothers’s ability to weave the human stories behind the headlines made him a trusted voice in the newsroom because he captured the essence of each event while navigating the complexities of the times. Whether it was the excitement of a campaign rally or the chaos following a tragic incident, he had a knack for presenting the facts with a touch of humanity, making his reports resonate with readers far and wide.
The Soul in Song: Nedra Talley Ross
Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the iconic singing group The Ronettes, sadly passed away on April 26th at her home in Chesapeake, Virginia, at the age of 80. Known for their infectious melodies and infectious performances, The Ronettes captured the hearts of music lovers in the 1960s with timeless hits like Be My Baby and Baby, I Love You, playing a major role in shaping the landscape of American music during the mid-20th century.
The Ronettes, comprised of Mrs. Talley Ross and her cousins Veronica Bennett (later known as Ronnie Spector) and Estelle Bennett, epitomized the quintessential girl groups of the 1960s with their striking beehive hairstyles, dramatic dark eyeliner and impeccable three-part harmonies. They blended a tough street style with an irresistible all-American charm, captivating audiences everywhere.
Their musical journey began when a young Mrs. Talley Ross started singing with her cousins at just 14, initially calling themselves the Darling Sisters. After some time performing as Ronnie and the Relatives, it was their mother, Nedra’s aunt, who suggested the memorable name that would eventually make them famous.
Their early exposure to the music scene through radio play in New York City led to performances at local school dances and amusement parks, which boosted their confidence to reach out to music producer Phil Spector in 1963. That bold move would set the stage for their revolutionary sound and lasting impact on pop music, elevating them from local favorites to international stars, securing their place in music history as one of the most influential girl groups of all time.
Nedra Yvonne Talley, born on January 27, 1946, in Manhattan, New York City, to Henry and Susie (Mobley) Talley, arose as a prominent figure in the music scene largely due to her mother’s unwavering support. Susie, a beautician, recognized her daughter’s talent early on and arranged for her to take singing lessons alongside her two cousins. In 1959, their big break came after winning a talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, which led to a contract to perform at the Peppermint Lounge in Midtown Manhattan, famously known as the birthplace of the twist dance craze. For the next decade, the trio toured and recorded, enjoying the highs of fame while grappling with the strains that often accompany success.
Mr. Spector had a controlling and abusive relationship with Ronnie, which led to the breakup of the Ronettes in 1967. They got married in 1968 but divorced in 1974, with Ms. Spector describing their years together as filled with physical and emotional abuse.
In the same year, Ms. Talley married Scott Ross, a New York disc jockey, who passed away in 2023.
The Ronettes never reunited to perform or record music, but they did come together in court several times in 1988 when they sued Mr. Spector for over $10 million due to lost royalties. In 2000, a judge awarded them $2.6 million, but subsequent rulings limited their royalty rights, reducing the amount they received.
In 2009, Mr. Spector was found guilty of murdering actress Lana Clarkson in 2003. He died in prison in 2021.
Estelle Bennett left us in 2009, followed by Ronnie Spector, who passed away in 2022.
Although Mrs. Talley Ross had mostly moved on from her previous career as a singer, she made time to participate in interviews with local newspapers from time to time, particularly following her recognition as an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
She is survived by four children.
The Body in Motion: Lester Wright
Lester Wright may not have an official record for his most famous race, but it’s certainly one for the books.
This incredible World War II veteran made headlines when he sprinted the 100 meters at the 2022 Penn Relays just a day after celebrating his 100th birthday.
As reported by MSN, Wright wowed the crowd, completing the race in an astonishing 26.34 seconds, setting what was believed to be a world record and becoming the fastest known centenarian.
Dressed in his signature singlet, knee-length tights and sporting two thin braids that bounced with every step, he not only captured the hearts of spectators but also outpaced competitors who were more than a decade younger.
Sadly, he passed away at his home on April 20th at the age of 103.
Lester’s journey began on April 29, 1922, in Long Branch, New Jersey, where he was born to Helen Wright and raised by his grandparents, Allan and Rosabella (Taylor) Wright. A standout track athlete at Long Branch High School, his athletic prowess was soon overshadowed by the call of duty as he joined the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of sergeant during World War II.
He served in the 4176 Quartermaster Service Company, a segregated unit tasked with supplying the front lines and performing the solemn duty of burying fallen soldiers. His experiences were harrowing, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium, where he witnessed the devastating impact of war firsthand; he recounted to The Asbury Park Press in 2022, “I’ve never seen so many people that were dead.”
After the war, fueled by the educational opportunities provided by the G.I. Bill, Mr. Wright pursued a career in dental technology. Alongside his wife, Adele, he made history by establishing the first Black-owned dental lab in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where they diligently crafted prosthetic teeth for nearly four decades.
According to The Times, it is not clear when Mr.Wright started running again, but his remarkable performance at the 2022 Penn Relays serves as a testament to the growing trend of senior citizens engaging in athletics, likely fueled by longer lifespans and a heightened appreciation for the benefits of exercise. As projected by the Pew Research Center, the number of centenarians in the U.S. is expected to quadruple by the mid-2050s, surpassing 420,000 individuals. This demographic shift indicates not just a longevity revolution but also a cultural transformation where active lifestyles are increasingly valued among older adults.
Mr. Wright’s daily dietary regimen included alternating between cream of wheat and oatmeal, coupled with his abstinence from alcohol, contributed to his preparation for the Relays. It also marked his return to racing after a three-year hiatus due to illness, which involved a disciplined routine of walking a mile and a half from his home three times a week before running back.
His daughter, DoreenWright, encapsulated her father’s passion for running with a simple yet profound statement: “He enjoyed it,” she told The Times. “He had a lot of energy and he kept moving.” This sentiment not only underscores the joy that physical activity brings to individuals, regardless of age but also highlights the importance of staying active in fostering a fulfilling life as we age. Mr. Wright’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with dedication and a positive outlook, age can indeed be just a number.
True legacy is rarely built within a single lifetime; it is sculpted over decades by those who dare to leap higher, sing louder and tell the truths others fear to speak. Mrs. Talley Ross, Mr. Smothers and Mr. Wright were more than masters of their respective crafts. And while their journeys have ended, the echoes of their artistry, advocacy and athleticism will craft an enduring foundation for future generations.
May they rest in power.
