1853 – Octavia Victoria Rogers Albert Is Born
Octavia Victoria Rogers Albert, born on December 25, 1853, was a formerly enslaved author and religious leader born on December 25 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. She attended Atlanta University, later taught in Georgia, and married A.E.P. Albert in 1874. Her book The House of Bondage was published posthumously in 1890 by her husband and daughter.
A devoted woman of faith, Albert became a community leader in Houma, Louisiana, where formerly enslaved people gathered at her home to share their stories. Drawing from these interviews, The House of Bondage became one of the earliest collections documenting the lived experiences of formerly enslaved people, preserving their voices and histories before her death in 1890.
1907 – Cab Calloway Is Born
Cab Calloway, born on December 25, 1907, was a legendary jazz musician and bandleader born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Baltimore. After leaving pre-law studies in Chicago, he rose to fame as a charismatic performer at the Sunset Club and later led major bands in Harlem.
Calloway achieved national fame at the Cotton Club with hits like Minnie the Moocher, popularizing scat singing. A swing-era icon, he toured internationally, mentored future jazz greats, and remained active in entertainment for decades.
1958 – Rickey Henderson Is Born
Rickey Henderson combined unmatched speed, power and passion to become one of baseball’s greatest players. Born Dec. 25, 1958, in Chicago and raised in Oakland, he chose baseball over football and debuted with the Athletics in 1980, quickly shattering stolen base records.
Over a 25-year career, Henderson played for nine teams, became MLB’s all-time stolen base leader, and set records for runs and walks. A 10-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and Hall of Famer, he redefined the leadoff hitter.