Those We Lost
Those We Lost — May 20
May
Honoring those we lost on May 20 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.
Nannie Helen Burroughs
Born May 2, 1879 — Died May 20, 1961
Field: Education / Black Women’s Organizing / National Baptist Convention / Labor
Nannie Helen Burroughs was an educator, orator, religious leader, and founder of the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: Burroughs belongs in the archive because she built institutions for Black women and girls, spoke forcefully about racial uplift, labor, education, and dignity, and challenged both racism and sexism.
Ulysses Kay
Born January 7, 1917 — Died May 20, 1995
Field: Classical Music / Composition / Opera / Black Composers
Ulysses Simpson Kay was a Black American composer and educator whose works included orchestral music, choral music, chamber music, and operas.
Why it matters: Kay expands the Black music archive beyond jazz, blues, gospel, and popular music. His work belongs in the story of Black classical composers claiming space in American concert music.
