Birthday Celebrations — August 15

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Oscar Peterson

Full name: Oscar Emmanuel Peterson

Born August 15, 1925 — died December 23, 2007

Canadian jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and one of the most influential virtuosos in jazz history.

Peterson combined extraordinary technique with swing, blues feeling, and musical generosity. His recordings, international tours, and celebrated trios helped carry the Black jazz tradition to global audiences and influenced generations of pianists.

Vernon E. Jordan Jr.

Full name: Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr.

Born August 15, 1935 — died March 1, 2021

Civil rights leader, attorney, presidential adviser, and former president of the National Urban League.

Jordan moved from courtroom battles against segregation to national leadership at the United Negro College Fund and National Urban League. He became one of the most influential Black advisers in American law, business, politics, and civil rights.

Maxine Waters

Born August 15, 1938

U.S. representative, former California legislator, and longtime advocate for civil rights and economic justice.

Waters has represented Los Angeles in Congress since 1991 after serving in the California State Assembly. Her career has emphasized fair housing, financial accountability, voting rights, racial justice, and a stronger public voice for communities often excluded from power.

Stix Hooper

Full name: Nesbert Hooper

Born August 15, 1938

Drummer, percussionist, producer, and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders and the Crusaders.

Hooper helped build the Crusaders’ signature blend of hard bop, soul, funk, and jazz fusion. His deep groove and ensemble leadership connected modern jazz improvisation with the rhythmic language of Black popular music.

Gene Upshaw

Full name: Eugene Thurman Upshaw Jr.

Born August 15, 1945 — died August 20, 2008

Pro Football Hall of Fame guard, three-time Super Bowl champion, and longtime NFL Players Association leader.

Upshaw starred on the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders’ offensive line before becoming the most powerful labor leader in professional football. He was the first player to start in three Super Bowls in three different decades and spent decades advancing players’ rights.

Rondell Sheridan

Born August 15, 1958

Actor, comedian, director, and television father figure.

Sheridan became widely known as Victor Baxter on That’s So Raven and Cory in the House. His warm comic timing and dependable television presence made him part of a generation of Black family programming embraced by young audiences.

Anthony Anderson

Born August 15, 1970

Actor, comedian, producer, and television host.

Anderson built a career across comedy, drama, film, and television, then earned major acclaim as Andre Johnson on black-ish. As a star and executive producer, he helped make the series a prominent platform for conversations about Black family life, identity, class, and generational change.

Nipsey Hussle

Birth name: Ermias Joseph Asghedom

Born August 15, 1985 — died March 31, 2019

Rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, activist, and community builder.

Nipsey Hussle paired independent West Coast hip-hop with a long-term vision for ownership and neighborhood investment. Through his music, Marathon Clothing, and work in South Los Angeles, he became a symbol of economic self-determination and community responsibility.

Chief Keef

Birth name: Keith Farrelle Cozart

Born August 15, 1995

Rapper, producer, and pioneering figure in Chicago drill music.

Chief Keef emerged as a teenager with a raw sound that transformed Chicago drill into a global hip-hop movement. His delivery, production choices, and independent internet-driven rise influenced a generation of rappers across the United States and abroad.