Honoring those we lost on July 2 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. DeFord Bailey Born December 14, 1899 — died July 2, 1982 Harmonica player, country and blues musician, songwriter, and Grand Ole Opry pioneer. Bailey became one of the earliest stars of the Grand Ole Opry and […]
Honoring those we lost on July 1 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Henry Johnson Full name: William Henry Johnson Born July 15, 1892 — died July 1, 1929 World War I soldier, Harlem Hellfighter, Medal of Honor recipient, and battlefield hero. Johnson served with the 369th Infantry Regiment, […]
Honoring those we lost on June 30 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Clarence Cameron White Born August 10, 1880 — Died June 30, 1960 Title: Violinist, composer, educator, and Black classical music figure Clarence Cameron White was a concert violinist and composer whose work belongs to the long […]
Honoring those we lost on June 29 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Shorty Long Born May 20, 1940 — Died June 29, 1969 Title: Soul singer, songwriter, musician, and Motown recording artist Shorty Long was a Motown artist connected to the label’s Soul Records imprint, known for songs […]
Honoring those we lost on June 28 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. David Walker Born September 28, 1785 — Died June 28, 1830 Title: Abolitionist, writer, activist, and author of Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World David Walker was one of the most forceful Black abolitionist […]
Honoring those we lost on June 27 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Marion Motley Born June 5, 1920 — Died June 27, 1999 Title: Professional football pioneer and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marion Motley helped desegregate professional football in the 1940s and became one of the great […]
Honoring those we lost on June 26 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. 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 major figure in Black public life, literature, and civil […]
Honoring those we lost on June 25 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Michael Jackson Born August 29, 1958 — Died June 25, 2009 Title: Singer, songwriter, dancer, entertainer, and global pop icon Michael Jackson was one of the most influential entertainers in modern history, changing music, dance, video, […]
Honoring those we lost on June 24 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Sissieretta Jones Born January 5, 1869 — Died June 24, 1933 Title: Concert singer, soprano, and classical music trailblazer Sissieretta Jones, often called “The Black Patti,” was one of the first Black women to gain international […]
Honoring those we lost on June 23 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Dr. Betty Shabazz Born May 28, 1934 — Died June 23, 1997 Title: Educator, civil rights advocate, and widow of Malcolm X Dr. Betty Shabazz carried a heavy public legacy after the assassination of Malcolm X, […]