Birthday Celebrations — May 28

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 28 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Betty Shabazz

Born May 28, 1934 — Died June 23, 1997

Field: Civil Rights / Education / Black Women’s Leadership / Malcolm X Legacy

Betty Shabazz was an educator, activist, and the widow of Malcolm X.

Why it matters: Her life must not be reduced to being Malcolm’s wife. She carried grief, motherhood, public memory, education, and community leadership after one of the most traumatic assassinations in Black history.

Gladys Knight

Born May 28, 1944

Field: Soul / R&B / Gospel / Black Women in Music

Gladys Knight is a singer known as the “Empress of Soul,” with a career spanning gospel, R&B, soul, pop, and group performance with the Pips.

Why it matters: Knight’s voice is one of the defining voices of Black popular music — emotional, precise, powerful, and deeply rooted.

T-Bone Walker

Born May 28, 1910 — Died March 16, 1975

Field: Blues / Electric Guitar / Black Music Innovation

T-Bone Walker was a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose electric guitar style influenced generations of blues and rock musicians.

Why it matters: Walker belongs in the archive because he helped shape electric blues and the future sound of guitar music.