Jazz singer Betty Carter was born Lillie Mae Jones on May 16, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, to James Jones, a church musical director, and Bessie Jones, an active member of the NAACP. However, Betty was reared in Detroit and sang in the Hartford Avenue Baptist … Read MoreBetty Carter (1929-1998)
Olga “Ollie” Burgoyne, also known as Ollie Burgoyne-Calloway, was a singer and dancer specializing in Russian and other ethnic dances. She was also an actress and businesswoman who gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance and left her mark as one of the most influential African … Read MoreOlga (Ollie) Burgoyne (1879-1974)
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- )
Ali Bongo Ondimba is a Gabonese politician who has been serving as the 3rd President of Gabon since 2009. Ondimba was born Alain Bernard Bongo, on February 9, 1959, in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. His father’s name was Albert Bernard Bongo … Read MoreAli Bongo Ondimba
(1959- )
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- )
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a singer, actress, dancer, and model. Aaliyah was born on January 16, 1979, 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)
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)
In June 2021, Dr. Chibundu Onuzo exemplified the range of her talents when she released a music video entitled “Good Soil” to accompany the publication of her third novel, Sankofa. Dr. Onuzo is an author, singer, pianist, playwright, screenwriter, regular contributor to The Guardian, and … Read MoreChibundu Onuzo (1991- )
Entertainer Gertrude C. Saunders, was born on August 25, 1903, in Ashville, North Carolina. She attended Benedict Institute (now Benedict College) in Columbia, South Carolina. During her teen years, she left to travel with the vaudeville producer Billy King Stock (Performing) Company, where she performed … Read MoreGertrude C. Saunders (1903-1991)
Nathaniel “Nate Dogg” Dwayne Hale was a singer and rapper. Hale was born on August 19, 1969 to unnamed parents in Long Beach, California. Growing up, Hale sang at the Long Beach’s New Hope Baptist Church where his father was pastor. He attended Long Beach … Read MoreNate Dogg/Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (1969-2011)
