Those We Lost
Those We Lost — May 17
May
Honoring those we lost on May 17 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.
E. Franklin Frazier
Born September 24, 1894 — Died May 17, 1962
Field: Sociology / Race Relations / Black Intellectual History
E. Franklin Frazier was a sociologist whose work examined Black family life, class, race relations, and social structure.
Why it matters: Frazier belongs in the archive because he helped shape the study of Black life from inside the academy, even when his arguments were controversial.
Donna Summer
Born December 31, 1948 — Died May 17, 2012
Field: Music / Disco / R&B / Pop
Donna Summer was a singer and songwriter widely known as the “Queen of Disco.”
Why it matters: Summer’s music helped define the sound of disco, dance music, pop, R&B, and club culture. Her voice sits inside the history of Black women shaping American popular music.
Joe Black
Born February 8, 1924 — Died May 17, 2002
Field: Baseball / MLB Integration / World Series History
Joe Black was a pitcher who became the first Black pitcher to win a World Series game.
Why it matters: His career adds depth to the baseball integration story beyond Jackie Robinson.
