Tyler Cunningham

Kevin Tate Washington

Apr 08, 1993 - Jun 02, 2025

Oakland, CA

Kevin Tate Washington, aged 32, passed away on June 1, 2025, in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was born on April 8, 1993, to his loving parents Rodney Washington and Stacy Davis. Kevin will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy filled with warmth, kindness, and a vibrant spirit. His presence lit up the lives of those around him, and his passing leaves a void in the hearts of many. A graduate with a high school diploma, Kevin excelled in all aspects of his life. His passion for sports, especially basketball, football, and soccer, shone brightly through his hobbies. He had a special affinity for soccer video games, where his skills were unmatched. Kevin's zest for life extended beyond the field; his contagious enthusiasm touched everyone he met. Professionally, Kevin worked as a dedicated Package Handler at FedEx, where his commitment and work ethic were admired by colleagues and superiors alike. His dedication to his job was a testament to his character. The memory of Kevin will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues. Though he leaves behind his beloved mother, Stacy Davis, his spirit lives on through the love and memories shared with those who had the privilege of knowing him. A service in loving memory of Kevin Tate Washington will be held at the C.P. Bannon Mortuary located at 6800 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94621, USA. For further details, please contact the funeral home at (510) 632-1011. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Kevin, knowing that his spirit will continue to inspire and bring comfort to all those he touched during his time with us. May he rest in eternal peace. [Note: Obituary also mentions that Kevin's mother, Stacy Davis, precedes him in death.]

Maalik Barnett

Jan 08, 1970 - Jan 21, 1970

Oakland, CA

Maalik Barnett, aged 35, passed away on May 22, 2025, in Oakland, California. Born on March 20, 1990, in San Francisco, California, Maalik was a cherished son, deeply beloved by his father Shawn Barnett and his mother, Lela Hayward. His journey began in San Francisco, where he attended San Francisco High School of the Arts and later graduated from the same esteemed institution. Maalik touched the lives of many with his kindness, grace, and creative spirit. The memory of Maalik's vibrant personality and gentle soul will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew him. Though his time with us was cut short, his impact remains profound and everlasting. The Barnett family invites relatives and friends to join in mourning and celebration at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014, USA. For inquiries, please contact the funeral home at (650) 550-8808. In honoring Maalik's life, we pay tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and solace during this time of profound loss. [Note: It's good practice to include the deceased person's profession, hobbies, achievements, or unique qualities if provided as it adds a personal touch to the obituary.]

Saafir

Aug 22, 1970 - Nov 18, 2024

Oakland, CA

Veteran “West Coast” rapper – Saafir breathes his last at 54. Popular for his contributions and lyrical prowess to underground hip-hop, Saafir was an amazing figure in the West Coast rap scene. The reason for his sudden demise is not yet known. However, he had reportedly been in a wheelchair after going through surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his spine. Born Reggie Gibson, known as Saafir, was a prominent figure in the 1990s Bay Area rap scene. Saafir made his first appearance in the 1993 album of Digital Underground, “The Body-Hat Syndrome.” The following year, he also got featured on Casual’s “That Bullshit.” Near that time, Saafir’s roommate “Tupac Shakur,” introduced him to directors Allen and Albert Hughes. This introduction led him to star in their film “Menace II Society.” His popularity touched the sky when he and the Hobo Junction collective took on Casual and the Hieroglyphics Crew in an on-air rap battle on "The Wake Up Show" by KMEL. His astounding performance helped him secure a deal from Quincy Jones’s Qwest Records, which put out his debut album in 1994, “Boxcar Sessions.” Prior to getting back to his OG moniker for The Hit List (1999) and Good Game: The Transition (2006), Saafir went on to release Trigonometry in 1998 under the alias “Mr. No No.” His incontrovertible impact on the hip-hop realm, especially on the “West Coast” scene, carries on being celebrated by his fellow artists and fans. His contributions to culture and music leave a prominent mark, making sure that his legacy endures in the world of hip-hop.

Barbara Dane

May 11, 1927 - Oct 19, 2024

Oakland, CA

A Champion of Revolutionary Causes and Singer – Barbara Dane, passed away at 97. Barbara Dane, a blues, folk, and jazz music giant who relentlessly championed social justice movements from around the globe, died of heart failure in her home in Oakland on October 20. Admired for her rich voice, Barbara was renowned not only for singing along with Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong but also for founding Paredon Records with her husband – an activist and music scholar. Irwin Silber. From 1970 to 1985, the label produced over 50 albums that spoke about feminism, anti-imperialism, and racial justice. These albums provided a platform to activist artists from Palestine, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the United States, Greece, and a lot of other places. Their masterpiece is now archived in Smithsonian Folkways. What made Dane stand out was that rather than blindly following the conventional path to fame, she started her career as a teenager in the 1940s, singing at protests. The Detroit-born singer relocated to San Francisco and became a star of the local post-World War II blues and jazz scene. This move also helped in launching the careers of Sugar Pie DeSanto and Etta James. She made her debut as a recording artist with her 1957 album, “Trouble in Mind.” Being a white artist, she went against convention by touring with Black musicians, including Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon, during the segregation. In 1961, she started her own club in San Francisco’s North Beach, Sugar Hill. Later, in 1966, Dane became the first singer from the United States to perform in post-revolutionary Cuba. In the 1970s, she committed herself to performing at anti-Vietnam War rallies, and she released her album “I Hate the Capitalist System” in 1973. Because of her activism, Dane was among the many artists who were surveilled by the FBI. Interestingly, her FBI file later became a source material for her autobiography, “This Bell Still Rings: My Life of Defiance and Song (2022).” She is survived by her children Pablo Menendez, Nina Menendez, and Jesse Cahn, as well as grandson Osamu Menendez (all of whom are musicians) and three great-grandchildren.