Birthday Celebrations — August 6

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on August 6 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Abbey Lincoln

Birth name: Anna Marie Wooldridge

Born August 6, 1930 — died August 14, 2010

Jazz singer, songwriter, actress, poet, and civil rights activist.

Lincoln joined artistic expression with Black consciousness, using her voice in jazz, film, and protest. Her work with Max Roach on We Insist! Freedom Now Suite became a landmark of civil rights-era music, while her later songwriting explored freedom, womanhood, memory, love, and self-definition.

Dorian Harewood

Born August 6, 1950

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

Harewood built a long career across theater, film, television, animation, and music. He portrayed Jesse Owens in The Jesse Owens Story and brought range and authority to roles in Roots: The Next Generations, Full Metal Jacket, television dramas, and numerous voice performances.

David Robinson

Full name: David Maurice Robinson

Born August 6, 1965

Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and San Antonio Spurs legend.

Known as “The Admiral,” Robinson combined elite athleticism, defense, scoring, leadership, and service. After attending the U.S. Naval Academy, he became the foundation of the Spurs, won two NBA championships, and helped set the standard for excellence and character among modern professional athletes.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Born August 6, 1981

Actor, singer, songwriter, author, and Tony Award-winning Broadway performer.

Odom earned major recognition for originating the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, a performance that brought him a Tony Award. His career has expanded across Broadway, film, television, recording, and writing, blending classical stage craft with a contemporary Black artistic voice.