Sat, 07.02.1927
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Brock Peters, Actor born
Brock Peters, an African American actor, was born on this date in 1927.
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Sun, 02.03.1957
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Marlon Riggs, Filmmaker, and Educator born
*On this date we mark the birth of Marlon Troy Riggs. He was an African American documentary filmmaker and educator who used video to oppose racism and homophobia.
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Sun, 02.26.1933
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Godfrey Cambridge, Stage, and Screen Actor born
*On this date in 1933, Godfrey Cambridge was born. He was an African American actor and comedian, one of the most unique comics of the early 1970’s.
Born to parents who emigrated from British Guiana, he attended public schools in Nova Scotia while living with his grandparents. After finishing his education in New York at Flushing High School and Hofstra College, he began to study acting.
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Thu, 05.22.1941
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Paul Winfield, Actor born
Paul Winfield, an African American actor, was born on this date in 1941.
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Sat, 03.08.1902
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Louise Beavers, Actress born
*This date recalls the birth of Louise Beavers in 1902. Known for her character roles, she was an African American film and television actress.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Beavers first drew attention as part of an act known as the “Lady Minstrels.” Despite her theatrical abilities and inclinations, she went to Hollywood, not as a performer, but as the maid of actress Leatrice Joy. She soon, however, appeared on the silver screen, making her feature debut in Gold Diggers (1923). She continued to act in such other silent films as Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1927).
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Sat, 06.07.1958
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Prince, Musician, Producer, and Artist born
Prince was born on this date in 1958. He was an African American singer, producer, musician, and global multi-media entertainer.
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Tue, 02.16.1904
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James Baskett (Walt Disney’s First Live Actor) born
*On this date we point out the birth of James Baskett in 1904. He was an African American actor.
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Mon, 04.03.1961
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Eddie Murphy, Film/TV, Actor, and Director born
*On this date in 1961, Eddie Murphy was born. He is an African American actor, director, writer and comedian.
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Sat, 04.13.1963
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The First Black Actor Wins The Oscar for (Best Male Actor)
On this date in 1963, the Oscar for best actor by the Academy of Motion Pictures was given to an African American for the first time.
Sidney Poitier won the honor for his performance in Lilies of the Field.
Reference:
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Academy Foundation
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90211
Phone: 310-247-3000
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Sat, 05.25.1878
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Bill Robinson, Dancer born
On this date in 1878, Bill Bojangles Robinson was born. He was an African American tap dancer and entertainer.
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