Birthday Celebrations — October 9

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on October 9 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary

Full name: Mary Ann Camberton Shadd Cary

Born October 9, 1823 — died June 5, 1893

Abolitionist, publisher, educator, and lawyer.

Shadd Cary promoted education and freedom on both sides of the United States–Canada border. She established the Provincial Freeman in 1853 and became the first Black woman newspaper publisher in North America. Her later legal studies and suffrage work connect the abolitionist press with the fight for women’s political rights.

Léopold Sédar Senghor

Born October 9, 1906 — died December 20, 2001

Senegalese poet, intellectual, and first president of Senegal.

Senghor helped develop Négritude, a literary and intellectual movement asserting the value of Black cultures under colonial rule. He also served as Senegal’s first president after independence.

O. V. Wright

Full name: Overton Vertis Wright

Born October 9, 1939 — died November 16, 1980

Southern soul singer.

Wright brought gospel intensity to Southern soul recordings including That’s How Strong My Love Is and A Nickel and a Nail. His singing made emotional phrasing central to the music.

Nona Hendryx

Full name: Nona Bernis Hendryx

Born October 9, 1944

Singer, songwriter, and experimental musician.

Hendryx was a member of Labelle and helped move the group beyond conventional girl-group expectations into a more adventurous musical and visual identity. Her solo work crosses funk, rock, and electronic music.

Kenny Garrett

Born October 9, 1960

Jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader.

Garrett developed his career with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Miles Davis before becoming a prominent bandleader. His music draws on post-bop, gospel, and musical traditions beyond the United States. Named a 2023 NEA Jazz Master, he represents the continuing growth of Black instrumental music across generations.

Steve McQueen

Full name: Steve Rodney McQueen

Born October 9, 1969

Black British filmmaker and visual artist.

McQueen moved from acclaimed gallery work into feature filmmaking with Hunger and later directed 12 Years a Slave. He shared the Academy Award for Best Picture as a producer of that film. His work explores power, historical violence, and Black life through both cinema and visual art.

Lecrae

Full name: Lecrae Devaughn Moore

Born October 9, 1979

Rapper, recording artist, and music entrepreneur.

Lecrae brought Christian themes into nationally visible hip-hop recordings while building a career that extends beyond church audiences. His album Gravity won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album.

Tyler James Williams

Born October 9, 1992

Actor.

Williams became known as the young lead of Everybody Hates Chris and later reached a new audience as teacher Gregory Eddie on Abbott Elementary. His work spans childhood stardom and adult ensemble comedy. His career offers a contemporary example of Black performance across different generations of network television.

Jharrel Jerome

Born October 9, 1997

Afro-Dominican American actor.

Jerome appeared in Moonlight and won an Emmy for portraying Korey Wise in When They See Us. He later led the series I’m a Virgo.