Birthday Celebrations — June 11

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 11 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Hazel Scott

Born June 11, 1920 — Died October 2, 1981

Title: Pianist, singer, actor, and television pioneer

Hazel Scott was a Trinidad-born pianist and singer raised in Harlem, where she became known as a musical prodigy. She blended jazz and classical music, challenged racist Hollywood roles, and in 1950 became the first Black woman to host her own television show.

Addie Waites Hunton

Born June 11, 1866 — Died June 1943

Title: Educator, suffragist, civil rights activist, writer, and political organizer

Addie Waites Hunton was a Black suffragist and organizer whose work connected women’s rights, civil rights, education, and international activism. She worked through organizations such as the YWCA and the National Association of Colored Women, helping document Black women’s public service and wartime contributions.

Charles B. Rangel

Born June 11, 1930 — Died May 26, 2025

Title: U.S. congressman, Korean War veteran, and Congressional Black Caucus founding member

Charles B. Rangel represented Harlem in Congress for 46 years and became one of the most recognized Black political figures of his generation. A decorated Korean War veteran, he was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and became the first African American chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Maya Moore

Born June 11, 1989

Title: Basketball champion, social justice advocate, and Hall of Fame inductee

Maya Moore was a dominant basketball player at UConn and in the WNBA, becoming a No. 1 draft pick, league MVP, champion, and one of the great winners in women’s basketball. She later stepped away from the sport at her peak to focus on justice work, including advocacy connected to wrongful convictions.