Those We Lost — July 25

Honoring those we lost on July 25 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Big Mama Thornton

Birth name: Willie Mae Thornton

Born December 11, 1926 — died July 25, 1984

Blues singer, R&B vocalist, songwriter, drummer, and original “Hound Dog” recording artist.

Thornton brought a powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and raw blues feeling to American music. Her original recording of “Hound Dog” became a major R&B hit before the song was later made famous by Elvis Presley, reminding us how often Black women’s musical innovations were borrowed and repackaged.

Euphemia Lofton Haynes

Full name: Martha Euphemia Lofton Haynes

Born September 11, 1890 — died July 25, 1980

Mathematician, educator, school reformer, and first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics.

Haynes made history in 1943 when she became the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics. She spent her life teaching, advocating for students, and challenging systems that limited educational opportunity.