Birthday Celebrations — May 10

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

P. B. S. Pinchback

Born May 10, 1837 — Died December 21, 1921

Field: Reconstruction Politics / Louisiana / Black Political Firsts

Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback briefly served as governor of Louisiana, making him the first Black governor of a U.S. state.

Why it matters: Pinchback shows that Reconstruction was not just a promise of Black citizenship. For a brief period, Black leadership reached the highest levels of government.

Judith Jamison

Born May 10, 1943 — Died November 9, 2024

Field: Dance / Alvin Ailey / Choreography / Arts Leadership

Judith Jamison was a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director closely tied to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Why it matters: Jamison was not only an extraordinary performer; she became a steward of one of the most important Black-founded dance institutions in the world.

Christopher Paul Curtis

Born May 10, 1953

Field: Literature / Children’s Books / Historical Fiction

Christopher Paul Curtis is an award-winning author known for The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 and Bud, Not Buddy.

Why it matters: His work helps young readers encounter Black history, family, humor, migration, and trauma through accessible storytelling.

Suzan-Lori Parks

Born May 10, 1963

Field: Theater / Playwriting / Pulitzer Prize / Black Women Writers

Suzan-Lori Parks is a playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and musician who became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Why it matters: Her work expands Black theater through history, language, performance, and the unfinished meanings of race in America.