Birthday Celebrations — August 4

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 4 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Louis Armstrong

Full name: Louis Daniel Armstrong

Born August 4, 1901 — died July 6, 1971

Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, and foundational American music figure.

Armstrong transformed jazz by placing the improvising soloist at the center of the music. His trumpet sound, rhythmic invention, unmistakable voice, and global popularity helped shape jazz and modern popular singing, making him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Barack Obama

Full name: Barack Hussein Obama II

Born August 4, 1961

Attorney, author, former U.S. senator, and 44th president of the United States.

Obama made history in 2008 as the first African American elected president of the United States. His rise from community organizing and constitutional law to the U.S. Senate and White House marked a major milestone in Black political history and changed the image of American leadership around the world.

Marques Houston

Full name: Marques Barrett Houston

Born August 4, 1981

Singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and member of Immature and IMx.

Houston grew from a child performer into a longtime figure in R&B, television, and film. As part of Immature, later known as IMx, and through his solo music and acting work, he became part of the sound and screen culture that shaped Black youth entertainment in the 1990s and 2000s.

Keith Ellison

Full name: Keith Maurice Ellison

Born August 4, 1963

Attorney, former U.S. representative, Minnesota attorney general, and political trailblazer.

Ellison became the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress and the first African American to represent Minnesota in the House. His career has centered on civil rights, consumer protection, labor, public accountability, and expanding representation in government.

Yo-Yo

Birth name: Yolanda Whitaker

Born August 4, 1971

Rapper, actress, educator, and advocate for women in hip-hop.

Yo-Yo emerged from the West Coast rap scene with music that challenged sexism and promoted intelligence, independence, and respect for Black women. Through the Intelligent Black Woman’s Coalition and later youth education work, she connected hip-hop performance with empowerment and community responsibility.