Civil Rights Activist Bernice Johnson Reagon Dies at 81

Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, a pioneering civil rights activist and co-founder of The Freedom Singers, passed away at the age of 81. Known for her powerful voice and activism, Reagon was instrumental in the Albany Movement and later founded the influential a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. She used music as a tool for social change, uniting communities and raising awareness about systemic inequities. Her daughter, Toshi Reagon, highlighted her mother's lifelong commitment to fighting racism both in the U.S. and globally. Reagon also held academic positions, including professor emeritus at American University and curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Her legacy continues to inspire activists and musicians alike.