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BlackPast is dedicated to providing a global audience with reliable and accurate information on the history of African America and of people of African ancestry around the world. We aim to promote greater understanding through this knowledge to generate constructive change in our society.

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Tag: Occupation-Entertainer-Actress

Jada Koren Pinkett Smith (1971- )

Jada Koren Pinkett Smith is an actress and talk show host. Pinkett was born on September 18, 1971, to Adrienne Banfield-Jones and Robsol Pinkett, Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland. Pinkett’s mother named her after her favorite soap opera actress, Jada Rowland. Her parents divorced at a … Read MoreJada Koren Pinkett Smith (1971- )

Posted on July 18, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (1980- )

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Douglas was born on October 13, 1980, to Tina Douglas, a former dance teacher, and Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, a former singer, in Glen Gove, New York. She also has a younger sister named Kenashia “Shia” … Read MoreAshanti Shequoiya Douglas (1980- )

Posted on May 24, 2022May 24, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001)

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a singer, actress, dancer, and model. Aaliyah was born on January 16, 2001, to Diane and Micheal “Miguel” Haughton in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, her mother got her involved in vocal lessons. She performed at weddings, churches, and charity events. … Read MoreAaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001)

Posted on May 24, 2022May 24, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Naya Marie Rivera (1987-2020)

Naya Marie Rivera was an actress, singer, and model. Rivera was born on January 12, 1987, to Yolanda Previtire and George Rivera in Valencia, California. Rivera is of African-American, German, and Puerto Rican descent and was the oldest of three siblings, including Mychal Rivera and … Read MoreNaya Marie Rivera (1987-2020)

Posted on April 28, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Toni Michele Braxton (1967- )

Toni Michele Braxton is an R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, to Michael Conrad Braxton Sr, a Methodist clergyman, and Evelyn Jackson Braxton, opera singer, and cosmetologist, in Severn, Maryland. Braxton is the eldest of six siblings. Growing up, … Read MoreToni Michele Braxton (1967- )

Posted on April 13, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Da Brat/Shawntae Harris (1974- )

Shawntae “Da Brat” Harris is a rapper and actress. Harris was born on April 14, 1974, to David Ray McCoy, a businessman, and Beverly Calloway, a city bus driver, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the half-sister of actress LisaRaye McCoy. Growing up, Harris lived with … Read MoreDa Brat/Shawntae Harris (1974- )

Posted on April 11, 2022April 11, 2022by contributed by: Samuel Momodu
African American History: African American History: People

Eve/Eve Jihan Jeffers Cooper (1978- )

Eve Jihan Jeffers Cooper is a rapper and actress best known as Eve, the First Lady of Ruff Ryders Entertainment, and for her appearances in the Barbershop movie series. Jeffers was born on November 10, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father, Jerry Jeffers, was a … Read MoreEve/Eve Jihan Jeffers Cooper (1978- )

Posted on December 7, 2021December 7, 2021by contributed by: Euell A. Nielsen
African American History: African American History: People

Macy Gray (1967- )

Macy Gray is a pop and jazz singer known for her unique voice and colorful persona. She was born Natalie McIntyre on September 6, 1967, in Canton, Ohio. Her mother, Laura McIntyre, was a math teacher and her father, Otis Jones, was absent throughout her … Read MoreMacy Gray (1967- )

Posted on October 4, 2021by contributed by: Bishop Lawton
African American History: African American History: People

Cynthia Erivo (1987- )

English actress, singer and songwriter Cynthia Onyedinamanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo was born in Stockwell, London, England, on January 8, 1987. Both of her parents were immigrants from Nigeria and separated when Erivo was very young. Her mother, Edith, worked as a nurse and raised Erivo and … Read MoreCynthia Erivo (1987- )

Posted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021by contributed by: Euell A. Nielsen
Global African History: Global African History: People

Brandy (1979- )

Singer and actress best known by her mononym, Brandy, was born Brandy Rayana Norwood on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi. Her mother, Sonja (Bates), worked for H&R Block as a district manager, and her father, William Ray Norwood Sr., was a singer in a … Read MoreBrandy (1979- )

Posted on September 7, 2021by contributed by: Euell A. Nielsen
African American History: African American History: People

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