Birthday Celebrations — July 9

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on July 9 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

June Jordan

Born July 9, 1936 — died June 14, 2002

Poet, essayist, teacher, journalist, and social justice activist.

Jordan was born in Harlem and became one of the most powerful literary voices of the 20th century. Her work spoke across race, gender, language, immigration, war, and justice, connecting poetry to the freedom movements of her time.

Richard Roundtree

Born July 9, 1942 — died October 24, 2023

Actor, model, stage performer, and first Black action hero figure.

Roundtree changed Hollywood history through his role as John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft. His screen presence helped reshape how Black leading men were seen in action films and opened space for a stronger, cooler, more commanding image of Black masculinity on screen.

J. Valentine

Birth name: Johnnie Valentine Newt

Born July 9, 1979

R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and podcast host.

J. Valentine built his name through both performance and songwriting. His work connected him to artists like Tank, Tyrese, Mario, Omarion, and others, while his later platform with R&B Money helped create space for deeper conversations about rhythm and blues culture.

Jeremy Pope

Born July 9, 1992

Actor, singer, Broadway performer, and screen artist.

Pope made Broadway history by earning two Tony nominations in the same season for separate performances. He later moved into television and film, bringing his stage-trained presence into projects like Hollywood, Pose, and The Inspection.