John Singleton, the filmmaker behind Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, and Higher Learning, as well as films like 2 Fast 2 Furious and a handful of TV episodes, has passed away at the age of 51. The director was taken off life support after he suffered a stroke earlier this month.

Singleton was just fresh out of USC Cinematic Arts when he directed Boyz n the Hood. The film would eventually earn him an Oscar nomination for Best Director, which made him the first black person to be nominated for directing.

The trailblazing artist would help pave the way for future black directors like Jordan Peele. Here’s what the Get Out and Us director had to say about his passing:

RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) April 29, 2019

And here’s what Selma director Ava DuVernay had to say about Singleton’s passing:

There aren’t many of us out here doing this. It’s a small tribe in the grand scheme of things. He was a giant among us. Kind. Committed. And immensely talented. His films broke ground. His films mattered. He will be missed. And long remembered. Thank you, John. #RunIntoHisArms pic.twitter.com/wKfOaCGFuA

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 29, 2019

Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared in Singleton’s adaptation of Shaft, said this:

Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton. He blazed the trail for many young film makers, always remaining true to who he was & where he came from!!! RIP Brother. Gone Way Too Soon!

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 29, 2019

And Ice Cube, who was the lead in Boyz n the Hood, said:

I was discovered by a master filmmaker by the name of John Singleton. He not only made me a movie star but made me a filmmaker. There are no words to express how sad I am to lose my brother, friend & mentor. He loved bring the black experience to the world. ..Us at Cannes “˜90 pic.twitter.com/CaRKjZtjgB

— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 29, 2019

Singleton’s family released this statement (via Deadline):

Singleton’s films often tackled racial inequality and racial injustice, which was seen in Boyz n the Hood and Higher Learning. But he did not limit himself to just films, as he was credited for directing episodes for shows like Billions, Empire, and American Crime Story, and co-created the FX drug drama Snowfall. He was also a champion of the black community and encouraged other major studios to help get them behind the camera.

It cannot be overstated that Singleton helped pave the way for actors, directors, and producers to have their stories be told.