Those We Lost — July 22

Honoring those we lost on July 22 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Francis L. Cardozo

Full name: Francis Lewis Cardozo

Born 1836 — died July 22, 1903

Minister, educator, Reconstruction-era politician, and public school leader.

Cardozo became one of the most important Black public officials of the Reconstruction era. His work connected education, politics, and Black advancement, including leadership in South Carolina and later in Washington, D.C. public schools.

Emlen Tunnell

Full name: Emlen Lewis Tunnell

Born March 29, 1925 — died July 22, 1975

NFL defensive back, special teams standout, Coast Guard veteran, and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Tunnell broke major barriers in professional football as the first Black player signed by the New York Giants and later the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His career helped open doors for Black athletes in the NFL.

Natalie Hinderas

Birth name: Natalie Leota Henderson

Born June 15, 1927 — died July 22, 1987

Classical pianist, professor, composer, and cultural ambassador.

Hinderas became an internationally respected concert pianist who performed with major orchestras and used her platform to champion Black classical composers. Her career helped push Black excellence into spaces where Black classical musicians were often overlooked.

Roscoe Robinson Jr.

Full name: Roscoe Robinson Jr.

Born October 11, 1928 — died July 22, 1993

U.S. Army general, West Point graduate, combat veteran, and first Black four-star general in U.S. Army history.

Robinson served in Korea and Vietnam and rose through the ranks to become the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Army. His career marked a major milestone in Black military leadership.