A. Philip Randolph
Labor leader and civil rights activist
Born
April 15th, 1889
136 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1979
45 years ago — 90 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist, contributions included organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African American labor union. Played a significant role in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, rallying support for civil rights and economic justice. Advocated for the rights of workers and promoted racial equality throughout a lengthy career in social justice activism. Helped to foster alliances between labor unions and civil rights organizations, enhancing cooperation in the fight for equality.
Founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Organized the 1963 March on Washington
Other People Born on April 15th
Nikita Khrushchev
Served as the 7th Premier of the Soviet Union from 1958 to 1964. Played a pivotal role in Soviet politics during the Cold War. Initiated de-Stalinization, easing repressive measures of the Stalin era. Oversaw significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Promoted agricultural reforms and attempted to improve the living standards in the USSR. Lost power after the rise of Leonid Brezhnev and was eventually removed from office in 1964.
Continue ReadingRené Pleven
Served as Prime Minister of France from 1950 to 1951. Played a significant role in post-World War II governance and economic reconstruction in France. Contributed to the creation of the European Defense Community, aiming to strengthen Western European defense postures. Held various ministerial roles including Minister of National Defense and Minister of Finance during a critical period of post-war recovery.
Continue ReadingRobert Lefkowitz
This individual is a prominent physician and biochemist who contributed significantly to the field of pharmacology. Research focused on G protein-coupled receptors, which are crucial for cellular communication. Served as a professor at Duke University and conducted groundbreaking studies that shed light on the mechanisms of hormone action. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012 for discoveries that expanded understanding of cell signaling.
Continue ReadingWilliam Forgan Smith
Served as the 24th Premier of Queensland from 1942 to 1946. His term coincided with World War II, during which he supported the war effort and focused on infrastructure development. Advocated for social reforms and policies to strengthen the state during difficult times. Smith played a significant role in the Australian Labor Party and was influential in Queensland's political landscape throughout his career.
Continue ReadingBrian Pothier
Played professional ice hockey as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators. Spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) before achieving success in the NHL. Contributed to team dynamics with defensive skills and on-ice strategy. Retired from professional play and transitioned to coaching.
Continue ReadingJohn L. Phillips
Served as a NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain. Participated in multiple spaceflights, contributing to scientific research and international cooperation in space. Flew on Space Shuttle missions STS-62 and STS-100, and served on the International Space Station during Expedition 6.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 16th
Heinrich Rohrer
Born in Switzerland, a prominent physicist and academic contributed significantly to the field of scanning tunneling microscopy. Co-developed the first working scanning tunneling microscope alongside Gerd Binnig. The innovative work allowed for imaging surfaces at the atomic level and transformed the field of nanotechnology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for advancements in techniques to visualize surfaces. Involved in various academic endeavors throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingFrankie Librán
A Puerto Rican-American baseball player played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career spanned from 1969 to 1975, with significant contributions to the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees. During his tenure, he achieved notable success, including participation in the 1977 World Series with the Yankees. Librán's athletic prowess was evident during both regular and post-season games, showcasing his skills on the mound.
Continue ReadingAndrew Bobola
A Polish Jesuit missionary worked extensively in the regions of Lithuania and Belarus during the 17th century. Engaged in missionary activities, emphasis was placed on converting the local population to Christianity, particularly among the Eastern Orthodox communities. Captured by Cossacks in 1657, endured significant torture before being martyred. Recognized for sustaining faith in the face of persecution, the individual was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church due to the martyrdom. Celebrated on May 16 in the liturgical calendar.
Continue ReadingJan Tarnowski
Tarnowski served as a prominent military leader and statesman in Poland during the 16th century. His military career included significant roles during the wars against the Ottoman Empire and the Muscovite state. He held the title of Voivode of Podolia, overseeing military operations and local governance. Tarnowski became known for his strategic prowess in battles and was influential in various political affairs. His leadership in defense of Polish territories contributed to the stability of the region during a tumultuous period in history.
Continue ReadingDabney Coleman
Born in 1932, this American actor gained recognition through a prominent career in film and television. This individual frequently portrayed characters with a mix of authority and humor, often in comedic settings. Major roles included appearances in the films 'Tootsie' and 'Nine to Five,' as well as the television series 'Buffalo Bill.' Over the decades, this actor became a familiar face in mainstream entertainment, contributing to memorable scenes and performances that garnered a loyal audience.
Continue ReadingSimon Stock
Simon Stock was an English-French saint and a key figure in the development of the Carmelite Order. He served as the superior of the order in the 13th century and is particularly associated with the vision of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have bestowed the Brown Scapular upon him. This event became central to the Carmelite spirituality and practice. Stock led efforts to establish communities in England and continental Europe, enhancing the order's influence during his lifetime. He is recognized for his dedication to a contemplative life and for promoting the Carmelite way of life through his teachings and leadership.
Continue Reading