Birthday Celebrations — July 26

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 26 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Darlene Love

Birth name: Darlene Wright

Born July 26, 1941

Singer, actress, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and powerhouse soul vocalist.

Love became one of the great voices of 1960s popular music, singing lead and background vocals on records that helped define the era. Her career stretched from girl-group soul to film, Broadway, and later recognition through 20 Feet from Stardom.

Cress Williams

Born July 26, 1970

Actor, television performer, and superhero series lead.

Williams built a steady career across television with roles in Living Single, Nash Bridges, Prison Break, Hart of Dixie, and Black Lightning. His role as Jefferson Pierce brought a Black superhero, father, educator, and community protector to network television.