Birthday Celebrations
Birthday Celebrations — May 7
May
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 7 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.
Mary Eliza Mahoney
Born May 7, 1845 — Died January 4, 1926
Field: Nursing / Medicine / Black Women’s Professional Firsts
Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American licensed nurse and one of the most important early figures in Black professional nursing.
Why it matters: Mahoney’s story connects Black women, medicine, training access, and professional dignity. At a time when Black women were often excluded from formal medical training, she created a standard that others could follow.
Jimmy Ruffin
Born May 7, 1936 — Died November 17, 2014
Field: Motown / Soul / R&B
Jimmy Ruffin was a Motown soul singer best known for “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.” He was also the older brother of David Ruffin of The Temptations.
Why it matters: Ruffin gives May 7 a Motown and soul-history lane. His best-known song became one of the classic heartbreak records of the 1960s.
Thelma Houston
Born May 7, 1946
Field: Soul / Disco / R&B
Thelma Houston is a Grammy-winning singer best known for “Don’t Leave Me This Way.”
Why it matters: Houston gives May 7 a strong Black women in music entry, especially through the soul-to-disco transition of the 1970s.
