Birthday Celebrations — July 20

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 20 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Freeman Bosley Jr.

Full name: Freeman Robertson Bosley Jr.

Born July 20, 1954

Lawyer, politician, civic leader, and first African American mayor of St. Louis, Missouri.

Bosley made history in 1993 when he became the first Black mayor of St. Louis. His public career connected law, city government, and Black political leadership in a major American city with a deep civil rights and labor history.

Omar Epps

Full name: Omar Hashim Epps

Born July 20, 1973

Actor, rapper, producer, writer, and Black film and television performer.

Epps came out of Brooklyn and became a familiar face in Black film culture through roles in Juice, Higher Learning, The Wood, and Love & Basketball. His television work, including House and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, has kept him visible across generations.

Ray Allen

Full name: Walter Ray Allen Jr.

Born July 20, 1975

Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest shooters in basketball history.

Allen became one of the most disciplined and respected shooters the NBA has ever seen. Across his career with Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, and Miami, he built a Hall of Fame legacy through preparation, clutch shooting, championships, and a lasting impact on the modern three-point era.