Howard University alum and former BET & MTV VJ Ananda Lewis has passed away at the age of 52, her sister Lakshmi confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post accompanied by a black-and-white portrait of Lewis. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

A proud graduate of Howard University, Lewis was widely respected not just for her beauty, but for her intellect, authenticity, and fearless spirit. In a past interview with Angela Stribling, she radiated pride:

“I’ve got my HU shirt on. Yes, I’m feeling good in my body too. Proud Howard University grad.”

She was celebrated by peers for being more than just a pretty face.

“In this world of entertainment, people kind of rely on their looks. And you’ve never been one to do that,” Stribling noted. Lewis responded, “My grandma… always said: ‘Pretty is as pretty does. Beauty is skin deep.’ We got applauded for what was in here [pointing to her head and heart], not just for how we looked.”

Lewis also opened up candidly about facing serious health challenges and how she approached them with faith and determination:

“Even to women who’ve recently been diagnosed… the fear is very real. But there’s nothing to be afraid of. All you have to do is your part. God has you.”

When doctors gave her a grim prognosis if she chose not to follow a specific treatment, Lewis recalled:

“He said probably three years at the most. And I thought, You don’t know me. That gives me time to figure something out… You’re not going to tell me I’m going to die. Watch what happens.”

“You control the outcome… You doing your work changes everything.”

Fans, friends, and former colleagues are mourning the loss and sharing tributes to a woman who inspired with her wisdom, grit, and grace.