Birthday Celebrations — July 10

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 10 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Born July 10, 1875 — died May 18, 1955

Educator, civil rights leader, institution builder, organizer, and presidential advisor.

Bethune was born in South Carolina to formerly enslaved parents and rose to become one of the most important Black women leaders in American history. She founded what became Bethune-Cookman University, led the National Council of Negro Women, and advised multiple U.S. presidents on Black life and opportunity.

Mavis Staples

Born July 10, 1939

Gospel, soul, and R&B singer, civil rights music voice, and Staple Singers legend.

Staples began singing with her family group, the Staple Singers, and helped carry gospel-rooted message music into the civil rights era and beyond. Her voice became tied to faith, freedom, soul music, and a long solo career that has kept her legacy alive across generations.

Arthur Ashe

Born July 10, 1943 — died February 6, 1993

Tennis champion, civil rights voice, humanitarian, and barrier-breaking athlete.

Ashe grew up in segregated Richmond and became one of the most important athletes in tennis history. He was the first Black player selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team and used his platform to speak on civil rights, apartheid, education, and AIDS awareness.