Bernice Johnson Reagon, a founder of The Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock, has died

Bernice Johnson Reagon, seen here at the memorial celebration for Odetta at Riverside Church in 2009 in New York City.

The songleader, civil rights activist and scholar died Tuesday at the age of 81.

(Image credit: Astrid Stawiarz)

The songleader, civil rights activist and scholar died Tuesday at the age of 81.