Birthday Celebrations — June 2

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 2 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Dorothy West

Born June 2, 1907 — Died August 16, 1998

Title: Writer, novelist, and Harlem Renaissance figure

Dorothy West was a writer connected to the Harlem Renaissance, one of the great cultural movements in Black history. Her work often explored Black middle-class life, family expectations, ambition, and the quiet tensions within respectability and social status.

Dennis Haysbert

Born June 2, 1954

Title: Actor and voice actor

Dennis Haysbert is an actor known for his commanding screen presence and deep, recognizable voice. His work in 24, Major League, The Unit, and national commercial campaigns made him one of those performers whose voice alone carries authority.

Wayne Brady

Born June 2, 1972

Title: Comedian, actor, singer, and television host

Wayne Brady is a multi-talented performer whose career includes improv comedy, television hosting, acting, singing, and Broadway work. His success shows the range of Black performance beyond one lane, moving from Whose Line Is It Anyway? to daytime television and musical theater.

Leela James

Born June 2, 1983

Title: R&B and soul singer-songwriter

Leela James is a singer-songwriter known for a voice rooted in classic soul, gospel feeling, and modern R&B. Her music carries the influence of earlier soul singers while still speaking to contemporary audiences.