12 Black Celebrities Celebrating August Birthdays and Their Impact.

There’s something about August. Maybe it’s the fiery Leo energy, the fresh back-to-school buzz, or the last golden glow of summer, but it’s also the birth month of some of the most iconic Black celebrities of our time. From music legends to cultural disruptors and historic leaders, these stars don’t just celebrate their birthdays. They’ve shaped history, challenged stereotypes, and inspired millions. In honour of this vibrant month, we’re spotlighting 10 influential Black figures born in August and exploring the lasting impact they've made around the world.

Get ready to nod, smile, and maybe even say, “Wait, I didn’t know they were born in August too!”

1. Van Vicker Aug 1 1977

Van Vicker was born in Accra, Ghana, turns 48 on August 1 and is an actor, director, humanitarian and co‑founder of Sky+Orange Productions. He’s starred in over 70 films, earned award nominations, and became famous for uplifting African stories in cinema. Fan-favourites include Divine Love, Princess Tyra and In the Eyes of My Husband. Countless fans (and every auntie you know) swooned over his good looks and on‑screen romance charm! 

2. Barack Obama – August 4 1961

Once every auntie’s crush (remember all those memes and viral remixes of the “Crush on Obama” song? It was a full moment that captured his irresistible charm). Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he is turning 64 this August 4. A two‑term U.S. President, Barack Obama, won hearts around the world with his signature rallying cry, “Yes we can”, lifting civic hope and redefining leadership. He’s known not just for policy but for a style and swagger that felt relatable yet aspirational, effortless ties, cool confidence and unmistakable presence. As POTUS, he broke barriers and made us all believe in the impossible.

3. Halle Berry – August 14, 1966

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Halle turns 59 on August 14. She made history in 2002 as the first and still only Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress (for Monster’s Ball). Halle starred in Boomerang, The Flintstones, Die Another Day, and X-Men (Storm), with chart-topping hits including Saving All My Love for You, How Will I Know, The Greatest Love of All, and I Will Always Love You. She passed away in 2012 at age 48, so this would have been her 59th birthday. Her death was devastating but her legacy continues through her music, activism and advocacy. In recent years she’s been championing menopause awareness and launched Respin Health to support women’s mid-life wellness

4. Viola Davis – August 11 1965

Born in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, Viola Davis is turning 59 this August. An EGOT winner and the first Black actor to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting (Oscar, Emmy, Tony), she’s earned critical acclaim for her emotional depth and realness on screen and stage. As of 2025, she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and her films collectively have grossed over $3 billion, making her one of the highest-paid actresses alive. Her most recent feat? Starring in box‑office hits and continuing to produce stories that centre Black female experiences, solidifying her as both an iconic performer and a powerhouse storyteller.

5. Kenya Barris – August 9 1974

Born in Inglewood, California, Kenya Barris is turning 50 this August. Creator of Black-ish, Grown-ish, and #BlackAF, his work shines a light on Black family life with wit and authenticity that changed the TV landscape forever. Barris uses humour and authenticity to explore what it means to be Black in America. His work brings nuanced conversations on race, family and identity into millions of homes every week. 

6. Michael Jackson – August 29, 1958

Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael would have turned 67 this August had he not tragically passed in 2009 at age 50. Known globally as the “King of Pop,” he revolutionised music, dance, fashion and music video storytelling with blockbuster hits like Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat It. His crossover success helped break major racial barriers in the music industry, leaving a legacy that still inspires artists and fans today.

7. Ngozi Nwosu - Aug 1 1963

Born in Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria, and raised in Lagos, she turns 62 on August 1. She is a veteran Nollywood actress with over two decades on screen, renowned for her roles in classics like Living in Bondage and contemporary TV shows like Skinny Girls in Transit. She continues to shape narratives across generations. 

8. Marsai Martin – August 14 2004

Born in Plano, Texas, Marsai turns 21 on August 14. At just 14, Marsai became Hollywood’s youngest executive producer with Little & Blackish. She’s more than just an actress; she’s a movement representing young talent in the black industry. Her confidence and creativity are a blueprint for young Black girls dreaming big. 

9. Regina Taylor – August 22 1960

Born in Dallas, Texas, Regina Taylor turns 65 on August 22. A celebrated actress and playwright, she’s known for powerful stage and screen roles and currently serves as Fordham University’s Denzel Washington Endowed Chair, mentoring emerging Black talent. Taylor has long championed storytelling rooted in culture, history, and social justice. She’s also mentoring new voices in theatre as a professor and leader in the arts. 

10. Whitney Houston – August , 9 1963

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Whitney Houston would have celebrated her 61st birthday this year. Tragically, she passed away on February 11, 2012, at just 48 years old. From a musical dynasty, daughter of gospel legend Cissy Houston and cousin to Dionne Warwick, Whitney earned the nickname “The Voice” for her stunning vocal range and emotional power. Some of her biggest hits include “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “Saving All My Love for You,” and “Greatest Love of All”, tracks that shaped pop music and made history on the charts

11. Uti Nwachukwu - Aug 3 1982

Born in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, Uti turns 43 on August 3. From Big Brother Africa fame to award‑winning roles in Nollywood, Uti is a dynamic TV personality and actor reinventing African media with charisma and versatility. 

12. Jalen Hurts – August 7 1998

Born in Houston, Texas, Jalen turns 27 this August. NFL star and quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts is one of the rising faces of football leadership. He challenges stereotypes in a position historically dominated by white players, bringing both grace and grit to the field. He is widely respected for his poise, leadership and journey from benching in college to leading his team to Super Bowl glory

Whether blazing a trail in politics, changing the face of TV or empowering the next generation, these stars prove that being born in August just might come with a little extra magic.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR AUGUST ICONS!!!