Birthday Celebrations — June 17

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 17 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

James Weldon Johnson

Born June 17, 1871 — Died June 26, 1938

Title: Writer, composer, educator, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights leader

James Weldon Johnson was a writer, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights leader whose life touched nearly every part of Black public culture. He wrote the poem that became “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” served in NAACP leadership, and became a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Venus Williams

Born June 17, 1980

Title: Tennis champion, entrepreneur, and equality advocate

Venus Williams is a tennis champion who helped change the sport with power, discipline, and longevity. Alongside Serena, she expanded what was possible for Black women in tennis, and her advocacy for equal prize money became part of her legacy beyond the court.

Kendrick Lamar

Born June 17, 1987

Title: Rapper, songwriter, producer, and Pulitzer Prize winner

Kendrick Lamar is a rapper and songwriter from Compton whose work blends storytelling, social criticism, spirituality, and personal confession. In 2018, he became the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, proving hip-hop’s literary and cultural power on one of the highest artistic stages.