Birthday Celebrations — July 11

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 11 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Mattiwilda Dobbs

Born July 11, 1925 — died December 8, 2015

Opera singer, coloratura soprano, professor, and international classical music pioneer.

Dobbs broke major racial barriers in opera, becoming one of the first Black singers to build an international career on major stages. Her success at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and other institutions helped expand the path for Black classical vocalists.

Earlene Brown

Born July 11, 1935 — died May 1, 1983

Olympic shot putter, discus thrower, national champion, and women’s sports pioneer.

Brown became a three-time Olympian and made history with a bronze medal in the shot put at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Her power and discipline helped make her one of the most important Black women field athletes of her era.

Leon Spinks

Birth name: Leon Spinks Jr.

Born July 11, 1953 — died February 5, 2021

Boxer, Olympic gold medalist, Marine veteran, and former heavyweight champion.

Spinks won Olympic gold in 1976 and shocked the boxing world two years later by defeating Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship. His victory became one of boxing’s unforgettable upsets and made him part of heavyweight history.

Lil’ Kim

Birth name: Kimberly Denise Jones

Born July 11, 1974

Rapper, songwriter, actress, fashion icon, and women-in-hip-hop trailblazer.

Lil’ Kim came out of Brooklyn and became one of the most influential women in hip-hop. Her bold lyrics, fashion, confidence, and presence helped shift the image of women rappers and left a lasting mark on music, style, and pop culture.