Birthday Celebrations — September 26

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

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Full name: Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela

Born September 26, 1936 — died April 2, 2018

South African anti-apartheid leader.

Through banning, banishment, and torture, the "Mother of the Nation" kept the liberation struggle visible during Nelson Mandela’s 27 years in prison.

Gloria Ray Karlmark

Full name: Gloria Cecelia Ray

Born September 26, 1942

Little Rock Nine member.

After desegregating Central High, Karlmark built an international career in computer science and technical publishing, receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.

Shawn Stockman

Full name: Shawn Patrick Stockman

Born September 26, 1972

Singer, Boyz II Men.

Stockman’s harmonies helped make Boyz II Men the best-selling R&B group of all time.

Serena Williams

Full name: Serena Jameka Williams

Born September 26, 1981

23-time Grand Slam singles champion.

From Compton’s public courts, Williams became the defining tennis player of the Open Era and transformed what the world expects of Black women in sport.

Christina Milian

Birth name: Christine Marie Flores

Born September 26, 1981

Afro-Cuban American singer and actress.

Milian scored international hits including "Dip It Low" and wrote Jennifer Lopez’s "Play."