https://apnews.com/8bf05a6c378a1182f22dbd8735b428de

A sharecropper's son who rose through the seats of power to become one of the nation's most influential voices. A Republican who went on to lead the U.S. Supreme Court's liberal wing. A lauded writer who brought to light stories overshadowed by prejudice.

This year saw the deaths of people who shifted culture through prose, pragmatism and persistence. It also witnessed tragedy, in talent struck down in its prime.