R&B lyricist, singer, and dancer Jermaine Stewart was born William Jermaine Stewart in Columbus, Ohio, on September 7, 1957, to Eugene Stewart and Ethel M. Stewart. His parents moved the family to Chicago, Illinois, in 1972. Stewart had four siblings Eugene, Jr., Sondra, Leandra, and … Read MoreJermaine Stewart (1957-1997)
Adah Isaacs Menken was an American actor and poet who performed in New York, San Francisco, London, and Paris and was widely known for her title role in the play Mazeppa, or the Wild Horse of the Tartary. She also wrote poems for magazines and … Read MoreAdah Isaacs Menken (1835-1868)
Charles Henry Chapman was born June 20, 1876, in Cayuga County, New York. He is one of the seven founders (Jewels) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent. In 1880, Chapman … Read MoreCharles Henry Chapman (1876–1934)
The Dazz Band, which scored more than 20 hits on Billboard’s rhythm and blues and pop charts, was founded in 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was led by clarinet player, saxophonist and vocalist Bobby Harris and included Kenny Pettus (lead vocalist, percussion), Isaac “Ike” Wiley … Read MoreThe Dazz Band (1976- )
Nathanial Allison Murray was a founder (Jewel) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and noted educator in Washington, D.C. Murray was born April 10, 1884, to Daniel Alexander Payne Murray and Anna Jane Evans Murray. His father, Daniel, was one of the first African American … Read MoreNathanial Allison Murray (1884-1959)
Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, an interracial and international R&B band, began when Thomas (Tommy) Chong invited Bobby Taylor, whom he had met in San Francisco, California, to become the lead singer for the Canadian group the Calgary Shades in 1961. The ensemble included Chong … Read MoreBobby Taylor & the Vancouvers (1966-1988)
LeVert was a popular R&B group composed of Marc Gordon (1964-2010), Gerald Levert (1966-2006) and Sean Levert (1968-2008). Sean and Gerald were sons of Eddie LeVert, the popular lead singer and founder of the R&B group The O’Jays. Influenced by their father’s illustrious career in … Read MoreLeVert (1983-2006)
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- )
Dr. Herbert Charles Smitherman Sr. was a chemist and the first African American to be employed at Proctor & Gamble as a doctorate-level employee. He helped improve formulas for products such as Crest toothpaste, Bounce fabric softeners, Folgers’ coffee, and Safeguard soap. Smitherman was born … Read MoreHerbert Charles Smitherman Sr. (1937-2010)
Alexis Nikole Nelson is a queer actor, writer, producer, social media marketing manager, and forager. Born on March 27, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, Nelson sang in the children’s choir at her father’s Baptist church at just three years old. At five years old, she began … Read MoreAlexis Nikole Nelson (1992- )
