Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 22 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Octavia E. Butler Born June 22, 1947 — Died February 24, 2006 Title: Science fiction writer and speculative fiction pioneer Octavia E. Butler changed science fiction by placing Black women, […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 21 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Henry Ossawa Tanner Born June 21, 1859 — Died May 25, 1937 Title: Painter, illustrator, and internationally recognized Black artist Henry Ossawa Tanner was one of the most important Black […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 20 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Lionel Richie Born June 20, 1949 Title: Singer, songwriter, producer, and Commodores member Lionel Richie is a singer, songwriter, producer, and former Commodores member whose music moved across funk, soul, […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 19 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Phylicia Rashad Born June 19, 1948 Title: Actress, singer, director, educator, and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad is an actress, director, and educator whose work spans television, film, and the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 18 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Ron Stallworth Born June 18, 1953 Title: Retired police officer, author, and first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department Ron Stallworth was the first Black detective in the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 17 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. James Weldon Johnson Born June 17, 1871 — Died June 26, 1938 Title: Writer, composer, educator, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson was a writer, educator, lawyer, […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 16 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Lamont Dozier Born June 16, 1941 — Died August 8, 2022 Title: Singer, songwriter, producer, and Motown hitmaker Lamont Dozier was one-third of Holland-Dozier-Holland, the songwriting and production team that […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 15 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Erroll Garner Born June 15, 1921 — Died January 2, 1977 Title: Jazz pianist and composer Erroll Garner was a jazz pianist and composer whose style was instantly recognizable, full […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 14 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Marla Gibbs Born June 14, 1931 Title: Actress, singer, comedian, writer, and television producer Marla Gibbs is a television legend whose work helped shape Black sitcom history. Best known for […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on June 13 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Bobby Freeman Born June 13, 1940 — Died January 23, 2017 Title: R&B, soul, and rock-and-roll singer-songwriter Bobby Freeman was a Bay Area singer and songwriter whose music connected early […]