Influential Black Birthdays
James Baskett, American actor, February 16, 1904.
Actor best known for portraying Uncle Remus in Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South. Despite the film’s controversial racial themes and limited release history, Baskett’s performance was widely praised. In 1948, he received an Honorary Academy Award for his “able and heart-warming characterization,” becoming the first African American man to receive an Academy Award. His recognition came during the era of segregation, making his achievement especially significant.
Otis Blackwell, American songwriter, February 16, 1931.
A highly influential songwriter who helped shape early rock and roll. He wrote or co-wrote major hits including “Fever,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “All Shook Up,” “Return to Sender,” and “Handy Man.” Many of his songs were recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Though often working behind the scenes, Blackwell’s songwriting helped define the sound of 1950s and 1960s popular music.
LeVar Burton, American actor, director and literacy advocate, February 16, 1957.
He gained international recognition for portraying Kunta Kinte in the landmark 1977 television miniseries Roots, which brought the history of American slavery into millions of homes. He later starred as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Burton also hosted the long-running children’s program Reading Rainbow, becoming a major advocate for literacy and education.
Ice-T, American rapper and actor, February 16, 1958.
Born Tracy Lauren Marrow, Ice-T is a pioneering rapper and actor. Emerging from the Los Angeles underground rap scene in the 1980s, he helped popularize gangsta rap with socially conscious and street-centered storytelling. He later founded the heavy metal band Body Count and transitioned into acting, most notably starring on the long-running television series Law & Order: SVU.
Huey Percy Newton, American political activist, February 17, 1942.
Revolutionary political activist and co-founder of the Black Panther Party in 1966 alongside Bobby Seale. He helped craft the Party’s Ten-Point Program, which demanded justice, housing, employment, and an end to police brutality. The Black Panther Party also organized community survival programs, including free breakfast initiatives for children and health clinics.
James Ingram, American singer-songwriter and record producer, February 16, 1952.
He was a two-time Grammy Award winner and received two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song. Throughout his career, he worked with major artists such as Michael Jackson, Patti Austin, and Kenny Rogers, leaving a lasting influence on contemporary R&B and pop music.
Eric Gairy, Former Prime Minister of Grenada, February 18, 1922.
The first Prime Minister of Grenada following independence from Britain in 1974. Gairy previously served as Chief Minister and Premier during the island’s transition to self-governance. His administration ended in 1979 when he was overthrown in a coup led by Maurice Bishop, a key moment in Caribbean political history.
Toni Morrison, American novelist and editor, February 18, 1931.
Nobel Prize–winning novelist, editor, and professor. Morrison’s works, including The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved, center Black life, memory, and identity in American literature. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her writing reshaped the American literary canon and influenced generations of writers.
Irma Thomas, American singer, February 18, 1941.
Known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” Thomas is celebrated for her powerful voice and influence on soul and R&B music. Her recordings, including “Time Is on My Side,” became classics. In 2007, she won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain.
Prince Markie Dee, American rapper, producer, songwriter, and radio personality, February 19, 1968
He rose to fame in the 1980s as a founding member of the influential hip hop trio Fat Boys, one of the genre’s earliest mainstream success stories.
Seal, English singer, songwriter, and record producer, February 19, 1963.
British singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice and fusion of soul, pop, and R&B. He has won multiple Brit Awards and Grammy Awards, with global hits such as “Kiss from a Rose.” Over his career, he has sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
Nancy Wilson, American singer, February 20, 1937.
A Grammy Award–winning jazz and pop vocalist whose career spanned more than five decades. Known for songs like “How Glad I Am,” Wilson blended jazz, soul, and pop, becoming one of the most respected vocalists of her era.
Charles Wade Barkley, American former basketball player, February 20, 1963.
Hall of Fame basketball player and Olympic gold medalist. Nicknamed “Sir Charles,” Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star and later became an influential and outspoken sports analyst on national television.
Rihanna, Barbadian singer and businesswoman, February 20, 1988.
Global music icon, actress, and entrepreneur. Rihanna has earned multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping hits across pop, R&B, and dance genres. Beyond music, she built a billion-dollar beauty and fashion empire with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, redefining standards of inclusivity in the industry.
Nina Simone, American pianist and singer-songwriter, February 21, 1933.
Singer, pianist, and civil rights activist whose music blended classical, jazz, blues, and gospel traditions. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.
Barbara Jordan, American lawyer and former United States Representative, February 21, 1963.
She was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction and the first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her powerful speech during the Watergate hearings solidified her national reputation.
Corbin Bleu, American actor, singer and dancer, February 21, 1989.
Best known for playing Chad Danforth in Disney’s High School Musical trilogy. He later expanded into Broadway and television performances.
Claudia Jones, Journalist and activist, February 21, 1915.
Journalist, political activist, and early Black feminist thinker. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Jones became active in the U.S. Communist Party before being deported to the United Kingdom, where she founded the West Indian Gazette and helped establish what became the Notting Hill Carnival.
Julius Erving, American former basketball player, February 22, 1950.
Known as “Dr. J,” Erving revolutionized basketball with his high-flying, above-the-rim style. A dominant force in both the ABA and NBA, he helped merge the leagues and elevate the sport’s entertainment value, influencing generations of players who followed.
New Moderators
We’re happy to announce our 3 new moderators:
Mishi
Poppy
Ryumi
Make sure to give them a warm welcome. We’re looking forward to working with them. They will be on a trial period for a few months and will work with their tutors to ensure they receive all the support they need.
You can still apply to become a moderator in our open search here.
If you applied 6 months ago, your application will now be automatically deleted by our system. If you wish to still join the team but have not been selected, please re-send your application!
Implementing in-game Bingo!
We’re exploring ways to implement in-game Bingo, and we would love your feedback!
Please take a moment to choose between the three options below and share any thoughts that could help us build the best possible experience here.
You can vote until the end of the week, then we will count every vote (20th of February).
Designer Guidelines Nipples
Based on recent feedback, we have had some discussion about nipples and their connection to the nudity-related designer guidelines.
We have come to the conclusion that nipples do not fall under inappropriate exposure of body parts, and therefore, we also have no reason to disallow it on body mods either.
Long story short, uncovered nipples are permitted in the Community shop.
You are our number 1
Love,
Alice Walker