Birthday Celebrations — June 25

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 25 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

James Meredith

Born June 25, 1933

Title: Civil rights activist, writer, Air Force veteran, and education integration figure

James Meredith became the first Black student admitted to the University of Mississippi in 1962 after a major federal intervention. His fight to enter Ole Miss became one of the defining battles over school integration, citizenship, and federal enforcement during the civil rights era.

Willis Reed

Born June 25, 1942 — Died March 21, 2023

Title: Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA champion, coach, and executive

Willis Reed was a New York Knicks legend who helped lead the team to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. His injured walk onto the court before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals became one of the most remembered moments in basketball history.

Jimmie Walker

Born June 25, 1947

Title: Actor and comedian

Jimmie Walker is best known for playing J.J. Evans on the sitcom Good Times. His catchphrase “Dyn-o-mite!” became part of 1970s television culture, though his role also opens a larger conversation about comedy, stereotypes, and Black family representation on television.