Hilarius Gilges is the only well-publicized example of a native German of African descent who actively opposed the rise of Nazism in his nation prior to the onset of World War II. Born in Düsseldorf on March 4, 1909 (some sources say April 28, 1909), … Read MoreHilarius Gilges (a.k.a. Lari Gilges, 1909-1933)
Screenwriter, filmmaker, actor, and social critic Carlton Moss was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 14, 1909. The son of Frederick Douglass Moss, a coachman for an affluent family, and Sarah Vincent Moss, he grew up both in New Jersey and North Carolina. As … Read MoreCarlton Moss (1909-1997)
James Pickens Jr. is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as Dr. Richard Webber in the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) and for his supporting role as Assistant Director Alvin Kersh in later seasons of the Fox Network … Read MoreJames Pickens Jr. (1954- )
Leon Henry Buck was the first-born child to Ulysses Simpson Grant Buck and Janie Buck in Clarksville, Tennessee on April 15, 1916. He had seven brothers and sisters and attended racially segregated schools in Clarksville. In each step of his educational experiences, he graduated with … Read MoreLeon Henry Buck (1916-1976)
Dwight Arrington “Heavy D” Myers was a rapper, record producer, and actor. Myers was born on May 24, 1967, to Eulahlee Lee and Vincent Myers in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica. His family moved to Mount Vernon, New York, from Jamaica. Much of Myers of early life … Read MoreHeavy D/Dwight Arrington Myers (1967-2011)
Kid ‘n’ Play is an American Hip Hop duo that consists of Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin. The two met while performing in rival high school groups, the Turnout Brothers and the Super Lovers, in New York City. The duo’s original name was … Read MoreKid ‘n’ Play (1984- )
Actor, producer, activist Winston Duke was born on November 15, 1986, in Argyle, Tobago, to Cora Pantin, a civil servant, and restaurant owner. There is no information available regarding his father. Duke’s family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, in 1995. He has one sister, Cindy. … Read MoreWinston Duke (1986- )
Rhythm & Blues vocalist, lyricist, and actor Tyrese Darnell Gibson was born on December 30, 1978, in the Watts community of Los Angeles, California, to Tyrone Richardo Gibson, Sr., and Priscilla Murray Durham Gibson, who died from COVID-19 complications and pneumonia on February 14, 2022. … Read MoreTyrese/Tyrese Darnell Gibson (1978- )
Willow Camille Reign Smith is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress known by her stage name, WILLOW. Born in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2000 to actor parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Willow’s background and upbringing has always been in the … Read MoreWillow Smith (2000- )
Wayne “Bone Crusher” Hardnett Jr. is a rapper and actor who are best known for his 2003 single “Never Scared.” Hardnett was born on August 23, 1971 to unnamed parents in Atlanta, Georgia. Hardnett was originally part of the group Lyrical Giants that also included … Read MoreBone Crusher/Wayne Hardnett Jr (1971- )
