Birthday Celebrations — June 3

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 3 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Dr. Charles R. Drew

Born June 3, 1904 — Died April 1, 1950

Title: Physician, surgeon, and blood banking pioneer

Dr. Charles R. Drew was a physician and surgeon whose research helped advance blood plasma storage and blood banking. His work helped save lives during World War II and made him one of the most important Black figures in medical history.

Josephine Baker

Born June 3, 1906 — Died April 12, 1975

Title: Performer, dancer, singer, actress, and civil rights advocate

Josephine Baker was an American-born performer who became an international star in France. Beyond the stage, she supported the French Resistance during World War II and later used her fame to speak out for civil rights.

Curtis Mayfield

Born June 3, 1942 — Died December 26, 1999

Title: Singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and soul music architect

Curtis Mayfield was one of the great architects of Chicago soul music. Through his work with The Impressions and as a solo artist, he helped give Black pride, protest, and social consciousness a powerful musical language.

Deniece Williams

Born June 3, 1951

Title: Singer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning vocalist

Deniece Williams is a singer known for her high soprano voice and her work across soul, R&B, pop, and gospel. Her songs, including “Free,” “Silly,” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” made her one of the standout vocalists of her era. Some sources list her birth year as 1950, so we should keep the year marked for final verification before scripting.