Birthday Celebrations — October 15

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on October 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

Fanny Jackson Coppin

Born October 15, 1837 — died January 21, 1913

Educator, school leader, and missionary.

Coppin was born enslaved, obtained her freedom, and graduated from Oberlin College before teaching at Philadelphia’s Institute for Colored Youth. As its principal, she expanded educational and vocational opportunities for Black students. Her life links emancipation with the effort to build lasting institutions for Black learning and professional preparation.

Victoria Spivey

Full name: Victoria Regina Spivey

Born October 15, 1906 — died October 3, 1976

Blues singer, pianist, songwriter, and record-label owner.

Spivey recorded during the classic blues era and continued working through later changes in the music business. She helped establish Spivey Records in 1962, creating opportunities to record and preserve blues performers.

Willie O’Ree

Full name: William Eldon O’Ree

Born October 15, 1935

Black Canadian hockey player and advocate for inclusion.

O’Ree broke the National Hockey League’s color barrier with the Boston Bruins in 1958. After his playing career, he worked to introduce hockey to more young people and challenge exclusion in the sport. His 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame induction recognized his lasting contribution beyond his NHL playing statistics.

Fela Kuti

Full name: Fela Anikulapo Kuti; born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti

Born October 15, 1938 — died August 2, 1997

Nigerian musician, bandleader, and political activist.

Kuti helped develop Afrobeat by bringing together West African musical traditions, jazz, and funk in extended ensemble performances. His songs directly criticized corruption, military rule, and inequality, bringing him into conflict with Nigerian authorities.

Marv Johnson

Full name: Marvin Earl Johnson

Born October 15, 1938 — died May 16, 1993

R&B singer and early Motown recording artist.

Johnson recorded Come to Me, the first release on Berry Gordy’s Tamla label in 1959. He later reached a broad audience with You Got What It Takes.

John F. Street

Full name: John Franklin Street

Born October 15, 1943

Attorney and former mayor of Philadelphia.

Street served on Philadelphia’s City Council and as its president before becoming the city’s second Black mayor. His two mayoral terms ran from 2000 to 2008.

Tito Jackson

Full name: Toriano Adaryll Jackson

Born October 15, 1953 — died September 15, 2024

Guitarist, singer, and member of the Jackson 5.

Jackson’s guitar playing helped form the musical foundation of the family group that became the Jackson 5. The group’s Motown success made the brothers internationally known, and they later entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He also developed solo work that reflected his continuing interest in the blues.

Jo Ann Hardesty

Born October 15, 1957

Civil rights advocate and former Oregon legislator and Portland commissioner.

Hardesty served in the Oregon legislature and became the first Black woman elected to Portland’s City Council in 2018, taking office in 2019. Her public work included civil rights advocacy and debates over policing and city services.

Eric Benét

Full name: Eric Benét Jordan

Born October 15, 1966

R&B singer and songwriter.

Benét established a solo recording career with True to Myself and became especially known for Spend My Life with You, his duet with Tamia. His work emphasizes expressive singing and the connection between contemporary R&B and older soul traditions.

Ginuwine

Full name: Elgin Baylor Lumpkin

Born October 15, 1970

R&B singer and dancer.

Ginuwine’s 1996 single Pony paired his singing with Timbaland’s distinctive production and became a defining record of its era. Later songs including Differences showed another side of his vocal style.

Keyshia Cole

Full name: Keyshia Myeshia Cole

Born October 15, 1981

R&B singer and songwriter.

Cole emerged with the 2005 album The Way It Is and recordings including Love. Her direct, emotionally forceful performances made personal struggle and romantic disappointment central to her public musical identity.

Anthony Joshua

Full name: Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua

Born October 15, 1989

British boxer of Nigerian heritage.

Joshua won the men’s super-heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics before becoming a world heavyweight champion as a professional. His career connects Olympic development with the commercial and competitive demands of professional boxing.