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.

