Birthday Celebrations — September 28

Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on September 28 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history.

David Walker

Born September 28, 1796 — died August 6, 1830

Abolitionist author.

Walker’s Appeal (1829), smuggled south sewn into sailors’ clothing, was the most radical antislavery document of its era; his birth year is debated.

Koko Taylor

Birth name: Cora Anna Walton

Born September 28, 1928 — died June 3, 2009

Queen of the Blues.

Her thunderous "Wang Dang Doodle" sold a million copies, and she won more Blues Music Awards than any artist ever.

Ben E. King

Birth name: Benjamin Earl Nelson

Born September 28, 1938 — died April 30, 2015

Singer and songwriter.

King led the Drifters, then co-wrote and sang "Stand by Me" — one of the most recorded songs in American music.

Charley Taylor

Full name: Charles Robert Taylor

Born September 28, 1941 — died February 19, 2022

Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver.

Taylor retired as the NFL’s all-time receptions leader after thirteen seasons with Washington.

Kenny Kirkland

Full name: Kenneth David Kirkland

Born September 28, 1955 — died November 11, 1998

Jazz pianist.

Kirkland powered the bands of Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Sting, and The Tonight Show.

Grant Fuhr

Full name: Grant Scott Fuhr

Born September 28, 1962

Five-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender.

In 2003 the Oilers dynasty backstop became the first Black player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Sean Levert

Full name: Sean Edward Levert

Born September 28, 1968 — died March 30, 2008

Singer, LeVert.

The son of the O’Jays’ Eddie Levert scored R&B smashes including "Casanova" with the trio LeVert.

Young Jeezy

Birth name: Jay Wayne Jenkins

Born September 28, 1977

Trap music’s motivational voice.

Thug Motivation 101 powered Atlanta’s takeover, and "My President" soundtracked the 2008 Obama victory.

Emeka Okafor

Full name: Chukwuemeka Noubuisi Okafor

Born September 28, 1982

NBA Rookie of the Year and NCAA champion.

The Nigerian American Academic All-American led UConn to the 2004 national title.

Terence Crawford

Full name: Terence Allan Crawford

Born September 28, 1987

Undisputed champion in multiple divisions.

The Omaha switch-hitter became the first male boxer of the four-belt era undisputed in two weight classes.