Those We Lost — August 1

Honoring those we lost on August 1 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Joseph Rainey

Full name: Joseph Hayne Rainey

Born Jun 21, 1832 — died Aug 1, 1887

Reconstruction-era congressman, barber, businessman, and political trailblazer.

Rainey became the first Black person to serve in the United States House of Representatives and the first to preside over the House. During Reconstruction, he defended federal protection of Black voting rights, education, and citizenship while white supremacist violence threatened those gains.

Daniel James III

Born Sep 7, 1945 — died Aug 1, 2017

U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, combat pilot, and first Black director of the Air National Guard.

James flew hundreds of combat hours in Southeast Asia and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses before rising to lead the Air National Guard. The son of General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., he built his own barrier-breaking military legacy through service, command, and leadership.

Naomi Sims

Full name: Naomi Ruth Sims

Born Mar 30, 1948 — died Aug 1, 2009

Model, author, beauty entrepreneur, and pioneering Black supermodel.

Sims broke major fashion barriers as the first Black model to appear on the covers of Ladies’ Home Journal and Life. After leaving the runway, she built a successful beauty business and wrote books that centered Black women’s hair, style, and self-definition.