Black icons we lost in 2013 (SLIDESHOW)

Over the past year we have lost the lives of many individuals who impacted the world.

TheGrio put together this slideshow to commemorate the black icons who passed away in 2013.

In February we saw the passing of two Motown stars, vocalists Otis ‘Damon’ Harris and Richard Street, both members of the Temptations.

Former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela recently died on December 5, at the age of 95.

As we prepare for the new year, we take a moment to honor and remember the great accomplishments of these influential men and women.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.