Meet Paul Williams, one of the founding members of the legendary Motown group The Temptations. Williams began singing as a kid with Eddie Kendricks in their church choir in Birmingham, Alabama. The two pursued music careers as members of various groups, eventually moving to Detroit to join Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and Elbridge Bryant as The Temptations.

With Williams on board, the group released many hits, including “My Girl.” Williams was considered the best dancer in the group and choreographed many of their moves. He also served as the original choreographer for The Supremes. His battle as a sickle cell warrior was hidden from the public, and his health issues eventually caused him to leave the group. Williams’ indelible impact helped cement The Temptations’ place in history as one of the greatest vocal groups in modern times and trailblazers in the evolution of R&B and soul music.

Happy Black History Month! Sickle cell can be painful and hard to manage, but it doesn’t need to stop you from following your dreams. This month, we’ll share the inspirational stories of household names and notable figures who didn’t let sickle cell hold them back. 

Meet Billy Garrett Jr., the first known person with sickle cell disease to play in the NBA. Billy grew up in Chicago, playing competitive basketball despite words of caution from his doctors. To keep playing, Garrett learned to balance hydration, rest and exertion through a process of trial and error that would occasionally lead to crises. His passion and dedication carried him through these obstacles and onto the court as a member of the DePaul Blue Demons, the New York Knicks and the Lakeland Magic. Off the court, we’re honored to have him on our team as one of our celebrity ambassadors. Hear his story and how he learned to play despite the pain.

Happy Black History Month! Sickle cell can be painful and hard to manage, but it doesn’t need to stop you from following your dreams. This month, we’ll share the inspirational stories of household names and notable figures who didn’t let sickle cell hold them back. 

We kick off our celebration recognizing world-renowned jazz artist Miles Davis. He struggled with health issues – arthritis, hip-joint problems and pneumonia – but wasn’t diagnosed with sickle cell disease until middle age. He began playing the trumpet at age 13 and at 18 convinced his parents to allow him to move to New York City to study at the prestigious Juilliard School. It was a ploy so he could jam with the musical masters of his day and join the band of his idol, Charlie Parker. He was soon leading his own projects and bands, solidifying a career that spanned decades. His album “Kind of Blue” is one of the most successful and influential jazz albums in history. He passed away in 1991, but his music lives on. Take some time to listen to his music today and pay tribute to this influential sickle cell warrior.