Birthday Celebrations — June 10

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

Hattie McDaniel

Born June 10, 1893 or 1895 — Died October 26, 1952

Title: Actress, singer, songwriter, and Oscar winner

Hattie McDaniel was the first Black person to win an Academy Award, receiving the honor for her role in Gone with the Wind. Her legacy is complicated because she achieved a historic first inside a segregated industry that often limited Black performers to stereotyped roles.

Howlin’ Wolf

Born June 10, 1910 — Died January 10, 1976

Title: Blues singer, composer, guitarist, and harmonica player

Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett, was one of the towering voices of the blues. His booming, rough-edged sound helped shape Chicago blues and later influenced rock-and-roll musicians across generations.

Faith Evans

Born June 10, 1973

Title: R&B singer, songwriter, actress, and Bad Boy Records artist

Faith Evans is an R&B singer and songwriter who became the first female artist signed to Bad Boy Records. Her voice became part of the sound of 1990s hip-hop soul, connecting gospel-rooted singing with the era’s hip-hop production and storytelling.

Frankie Faison

Born June 10, 1949

Title: Actor

Frankie Faison is a veteran actor whose work spans film, television, and theater. He is known for roles in The Wire, the Hannibal Lecter film series, Coming to America, and Do the Right Thing, making him one of those steady character actors whose face is tied to many important screen moments.

Wear the history: Hattie McDaniel — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.