Birthday Celebrations — May 31

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 31 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Shirley Verrett

Born May 31, 1931 — Died November 5, 2010

Field: Opera / Classical Voice / Black Women in Music

Shirley Verrett was an opera singer known for her powerful mezzo-soprano and soprano roles.

Why it matters: Verrett helped expand space for Black women in opera, a field that often placed racial barriers around who could be seen and heard on major stages.

Waka Flocka Flame

Born May 31, 1986

Field: Hip-Hop / Southern Rap / Trap Music

Waka Flocka Flame is a rapper associated with Southern hip-hop and trap music.

Why it matters: He is a modern hip-hop entry, useful if the birthday script needs contemporary cultural range, but not a lead historical anchor.