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Every February, communities come together to honor the most historic and iconic moments, inventions, and contributions in Black culture. This celebration is referred to as Black History Month.
As we often recognize the efforts of freedom fighters and literary leaders like Madam CJ Walker and Maya Angelou, we also want to recognize those frontrunners – new, old, or in progress – who were born during the month their culture is remembered and cherished.
From Langston Hughes to Sherman Hemsley, the list of Black history makers born during Black History Month is endless, so each day we’ll honor those who were born throughout the 28 days of February.
Today, we recognize those born on Feb. 8.
FEB. 8
Gary Coleman (b. 1968 – d. 2010)
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Gary Coleman is best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in Diff’rent Strokes, and his famed line, “What you talkin’ ’bout Willis?” In addition to his unforgettable TV role, Coleman appeared in more than 60 film and television projects during his 37-year career including his own show, The Gary Coleman Show, and Married With Children. Coleman also recognized for his role as Stymie in the 1977 pilot revival of the childhood cult classic, The Little Rascals.
Kimbo Slice (b. 1974 – d. 2016)
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Kimbo Slice is a mixed martial artist who started making videos of his fights on YouTube. These videos would eventually land him in the world of professional boxing and a spot on Fox Sports’ The Ultimate Fighter. Slice’s success as an Internet fighter led Rolling Stone to give him the moniker “The King of the Web Brawlers.”