Birthday Celebrations — October 26

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

Judy Johnson

Full name: William Julius Johnson

Born October 26, 1899 (records disagree on the day and year) — died June 15, 1989

Negro Leagues baseball player, manager, and scout.

Johnson was an outstanding third baseman whose career included Hilldale, the Homestead Grays, and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. His defensive skill and baseball judgment earned enduring respect, and he later worked as a scout. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975, he represents both the competitive strength of the Negro Leagues and the expertise Black players carried into later baseball institutions.

Mahalia Jackson

Born October 26, 1911 — died January 27, 1972

Gospel singer and civil-rights supporter.

Jackson brought gospel singing to international prominence while maintaining a strong connection to church traditions. Her voice also supported the civil-rights movement, including the 1963 March on Washington. Through recordings and public performances, she showed how sacred music could sustain collective courage and reach audiences well beyond worship services without losing its spiritual foundation.

Edward Brooke

Full name: Edward William Brooke III

Born October 26, 1919 — died January 3, 2015

US senator and attorney general.

Brooke became the first African American elected to the US Senate by popular vote when Massachusetts voters chose him in 1966. He served two terms after earlier serving as the state’s attorney general.

Detroit Junior

Full name: Emery Williams Jr.

Born October 26, 1931 — died August 9, 2005

Blues pianist, singer, and songwriter.

Detroit Junior combined a lively performing style with songwriting that reached audiences through his own records and versions by Albert King and Koko Taylor. He worked with Howlin’ Wolf and Eddie Shaw and remained active in Chicago blues for decades. Songs such as Call My Job and Money Tree show his ability to turn everyday experience into memorable blues.

John “Jabo” Starks

Full name: John Henry Starks

Born October 26, 1937 (some sources give 1938) — died May 1, 2018

Funk, blues, and R&B drummer.

Starks helped shape the rhythmic language of funk through his work with James Brown. His precise grooves also drew on experience with Bobby Bland and other blues and R&B performers. Recordings on which he played became important sources for later sampling, linking his musicianship to generations of hip-hop and dance producers as well as the original bands.

Bootsy Collins

Full name: William Earl Collins

Born October 26, 1951

Funk bassist, singer, and songwriter.

Collins helped define funk through his work with James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Bootsy’s Rubber Band. His bass playing combined a strong rhythmic foundation with an unmistakable musical personality, reinforced by theatrical costumes and a star-shaped instrument. His career connects disciplined ensemble playing with the imaginative stage worlds and entrepreneurial ambitions of 1970s Black popular music.

James Pickens Jr.

Born October 26, 1954

Stage, film, and television actor.

Pickens became widely recognized as Dr. Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy, following years of theater and screen work. His stage experience included A Soldier’s Play with the Negro Ensemble Company, and his screen career also included The X-Files. His biography connects Black theater institutions with the sustained presence of Black professionals in long-running television drama.

Phaedra Parks

Full name: Phaedra Creonta Parks

Born October 26, 1973 (some sources give 1971)

Attorney and television personality.

Parks combined a legal career with public visibility through The Real Housewives of Atlanta and later reality-television appearances.

Florence Kasumba

Born October 26, 1976

Ugandan-born German actress.

Kasumba became internationally recognized as Ayo in the Marvel films, including Black Panther, while also working in German and Dutch productions. Her roles have crossed film, television, musical theater, and voice performance. Born in Uganda and raised in Germany, she offers a diaspora perspective on Black actors working across languages and national entertainment industries.

Toya Johnson

Full name: Antonia Johnson-Rushing

Born October 26, 1983

Television personality and author.

Johnson became known through Tiny & Toya and Toya: A Family Affair, television programs centered on family relationships and personal ambitions. She also published books, including Priceless Inspirations.

Monta Ellis

Full name: Monta Jerome Ellis

Born October 26, 1985

Professional basketball player.

Ellis moved from high-school basketball in Jackson, Mississippi, into the NBA and developed into a productive scoring guard. His career included the Golden State Warriors and other franchises, bringing speed and attacking play to the backcourt.

ScHoolboy Q

Full name: Quincy Matthew Hanley

Born October 26, 1986

Rapper and recording artist.

ScHoolboy Q developed within the Los Angeles rap community and became associated with Top Dawg Entertainment. His work blends forceful delivery, dark humor, and accounts of personal experience.