Birthday Celebrations — August 14

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 14 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Ernest Everett Just

Born August 14, 1883 — died October 27, 1941

Biologist, marine scientist, author, professor, and pioneering cell researcher.

Just became an internationally respected scientist through research on fertilization, cell development, and the role of the cell surface. Working through severe racial barriers, he trained students at Howard University and became the first recipient of the NAACP Spingarn Medal.

Antonio Fargas

Born August 14, 1946

Actor and longtime stage, film, and television performer.

Fargas built a distinctive career through Black theater, 1970s cinema, comedy, and television. His roles in films such as Foxy Brown and his portrayal of Huggy Bear on Starsky & Hutch made him one of the era’s most recognizable character actors.

Larry Graham Jr.

Born August 14, 1946

Bassist, singer, songwriter, producer, and funk innovator.

Graham helped revolutionize electric bass through his work with Sly and the Family Stone and later led Graham Central Station. His percussive slap-bass technique became a foundation of funk and influenced generations of bassists across R&B, rock, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop.

Carl Lumbly

Full name: Carl Winston Lumbly

Born August 14, 1951

Actor, voice performer, and stage, television, and film veteran.

Lumbly built a career of unusual range, from Cagney & Lacey and M.A.N.T.I.S. to Alias, Supergirl, and the Marvel universe. His work also gave Martian Manhunter one of the most recognized voices in superhero animation.

Jackée Harry

Birth name: Jacqueline Yvonne Harry

Born August 14, 1956

Actress, comedian, director, singer, and television personality.

Harry became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series through her unforgettable role as Sandra on 227. She later reached another generation as Lisa Landry on Sister, Sister.

Magic Johnson

Full name: Earvin Johnson Jr.

Born August 14, 1959

Basketball Hall of Famer, five-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and advocate.

Johnson transformed the point guard position with size, vision, passing, leadership, and joy. After leading the Showtime Lakers, he became a major business figure and one of the most visible advocates for HIV awareness, helping change public understanding of the disease.

Halle Berry

Birth name: Maria Halle Berry

Born August 14, 1966

Actress, producer, director, Academy Award winner, and Hollywood trailblazer.

Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress through Monster’s Ball. Her career across drama, action, television, and directing helped expand Black women’s visibility as global stars and leading figures in major Hollywood productions.