Birthday Celebrations — July 30

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 30 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Buddy Guy

Birth name: George Guy

Born July 30, 1936

Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and Chicago blues legend.

Guy became one of the most important blues musicians alive, carrying the sound of Louisiana roots and Chicago electric blues into the modern era. His guitar style influenced Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and generations of blues and rock players.

Laurence Fishburne

Full name: Laurence John Fishburne III

Born July 30, 1961

Actor, producer, playwright, director, and stage and screen performer.

Fishburne began acting as a child and grew into one of the most respected actors of his generation. His work includes Apocalypse Now, Boyz n the Hood, What’s Love Got to Do with It, The Matrix, and his stage performance as Thurgood Marshall.

Vivica A. Fox

Full name: Vivica Anjanetta Fox

Born July 30, 1964

Actress, producer, television host, and Black film culture figure.

Fox became a major screen presence in the 1990s with roles in Independence Day, Set It Off, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and Two Can Play That Game. Her career has continued through acting, producing, directing, and business work.

Terry Crews

Full name: Terry Alan Crews

Born July 30, 1968

Actor, television host, artist, former NFL player, and public advocate.

Crews moved from professional football into entertainment, becoming known for Everybody Hates Chris, White Chicks, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and his hosting work. He has also spoken publicly about abuse, masculinity, healing, and accountability.