Since his first part in a play in Junior High, Brian Stokes Mitchell (originally known as just Brian Mitchell) has been loved by audiences all over the world. He’s left an indelible mark on American theatre and on the lives of many who have participated … Read MoreBrian Stokes Mitchell (1957- )
Emma Harris was a multi-talented African American cultural influencer in Europe, the Russian Empire (later the Soviet Union) as well as the Middle East. Harris was born into a poor family in Georgia on October 7, 1871. Her parents were washerwoman Sarah Green and millworker … Read MoreEmma Harris (1871-1940)
Sheila Guyse was an actress, and singer during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born Etta Drucille Guyse, on July 14, 1925, in Forest, Mississippi. Her parents, Wilbert Vincent Guyse and Ethel Williams, separated and divorced shortly after she was born. Guyse was raised by … Read MoreSheila Guyse (1925-2013)
Irene Cara Escalera was a singer, actress and songwriter, who was most famous for recording the title song to the movie “Fame.” Cara was born on March 18, 1959 in the Bronx section of New York City, New York. Her mother, Louise Escalera, was of … Read MoreIrene Cara Escalera (1959-2022)
William “Billie” Thomas Jr was a child actor who portrayed the character of Buckwheat in the Our Gang (Little Rascals) movie series. Thomas was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 1931. Much of his early life is unknown. In 1934, three-year-old Thomas first … Read MoreWilliam “Billie” Thomas Jr. (1931-1980)
Trevor Noah is a comedian, actor, and political commentator. Noah was born on February 24, 1984, to Robert Noah, who is of Swiss-German ancestry, and Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, who is South African and Xhosa, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Noah grew up in the racially segregated … Read MoreTrevor Noah (1984- )
Comedian, actor, syndicated radio/ television host Rickey Smiley was born Broderick Dornell Smiley on August 10, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Carolita Smiley Lester and James Smiley, who died when he was seven years old. Rickey has one sister, Karon Katiea Smiley-Dennis. Smiley is a … Read MoreRickey Smiley (1968- )
In the article below independent historian Clarence Spigner analyzes Sergeant Rutledge and the other major films of the college football star, early National Football League player, and actor Woody Strode. Sergeant Rutledge is a 1960 western film from Warner Brothers and the director John Ford. … Read MoreIn the Heat of the West: Woody Strode, Sergeant Rutledge, and the Buffalo Soldier
Keenen Ivory Wayans is a filmmaker, actor, and comedian best known for his comedic satire and for creating the Emmy-winning show In Living Color, a variety show which featured a mostly black cast and helped to launch the careers of many prominent actors and comedians. Born … Read MoreKeenen Ivory Wayans (1958- )
Best known for his roles as Norman Wilson, newspaper-man turned-political-operative in The Wire (2006 and 2008), and as Freddy Hayes in House of Cards, owner of the BBQ joint frequented by Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), both HBO series, Reg E. Cathey was a well-known character actor. Nominated three times, … Read MoreReg E. Cathey (1958-2018)
