Birthday Celebrations — July 21

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 21 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Charles L. Reason

Full name: Charles Lewis Reason

Born July 21, 1818 — died August 16, 1893

Mathematician, educator, abolitionist, linguist, and first Black college professor in the United States.

Reason was born in New York City and showed strong ability in mathematics from a young age. He became an educator, abolitionist, and intellectual leader, and his appointment at New York Central College made him the first Black college professor in the United States.

Samuel J. Smith

Born July 21, 1922 — died November 16, 1995

Politician, Washington state legislator, Seattle City Council member, and civic trailblazer.

Smith built a long public career in Washington state and became the first African American elected to the Seattle City Council. His leadership helped open political doors in the Pacific Northwest and gave Black Seattle stronger representation in city government.

Jim Clyburn

Full name: James Enos Clyburn

Born July 21, 1940

Politician, civil rights-era organizer, U.S. congressman, and congressional leadership figure.

Clyburn came out of South Carolina’s civil rights struggle and became one of the most influential Black political leaders in Congress. His career includes leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus, House Democratic leadership, and long advocacy for rural communities, education, health care, and civil rights.

Cori Bush

Full name: Cori Anika Bush

Born July 21, 1976

Nurse, pastor, activist, former U.S. representative, and Black Lives Matter movement figure.

Bush rose from community activism in St. Louis after the Ferguson uprising into national politics. She became the first African American woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. House, bringing lived experience as a nurse, organizer, mother, and activist into public office.