Ahmed Kathrada
South African politician and anti-apartheid activist
Born
Died
2017
8 years ago — 88 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
South Africa
Links & References
Born in 1929, a political prisoner and prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. Worked alongside notable leaders in the struggle against racial segregation in South Africa. Served as a close associate of Nelson Mandela and became a member of the African National Congress (ANC). Spent 26 years in prison, mainly on Robben Island, for his activism. After his release in 1990, continued to work in politics and advocated for social justice until retirement.
Served 26 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities
Co-authored the 1994 South African Constitution
Actively participated in the Rivonia Trial
Other People Born on August 21st
Guillaume Groen van Prinsterer
Dutch historian and politician
Born
August 21st, 1801 224 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1876 149 years ago — 74 years old
A significant figure in Dutch history, contributed to both politics and historical scholarship. Played a crucial role in the foundation of the Anti-Revolutionary Party in the Netherlands. Authored influential works that highlighted the importance of historical context in understanding contemporary social and political issues. Engaged actively in debates on the role of religion in society, advocating for a Christian perspective in politics.
Continue ReadingFerdinand Hamer
Dutch bishop and missionary work
Born
August 21st, 1840 185 years ago
Died
1900 125 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent Dutch bishop and missionary, dedicated efforts to spreading Christianity in the Dutch East Indies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Worked to establish and oversee church missions while addressing the needs of local communities. Advocated for educational programs and social reforms to improve the lives of native people. Contributed to the establishment of educational institutions that served both the church and local populations.
Continue ReadingAugustin-Louis Cauchy
Mathematician noted for analysis and elasticity
Born
August 21st, 1789 236 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1857 168 years ago — 67 years old
A mathematician and academic, contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in analysis and elasticity. Cauchy developed the concept of the limit, continuity, and differentiation, which are fundamental in calculus. Created what is known as Cauchy sequences, which form the basis for modern analysis. Published extensively, with over 800 papers and books, influencing future generations of mathematicians. Held a position at the École Polytechnique and contributed to several mathematical journals. Cauchy's work on complex functions and the Cauchy integral theorem laid the groundwork for complex analysis.
Continue ReadingStephen Hillenburg
Animator and creator of SpongeBob SquarePants
Born
August 21st, 1961 64 years ago
Died
November 26th, 2018 7 years ago — 57 years old
An animator, voice actor, and marine science educator, created the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. The show premiered in 1999 and gained widespread popularity for its unique characters and humor. Prior to animation, worked as a marine biology teacher, integrating oceanic themes into later projects. Hillenburg's work contributed significantly to children's television, influencing a generation of viewers. He passed away in 2018 after a battle with ALS, leaving behind a legacy through SpongeBob SquarePants and its extensive merchandise and media adaptations.
Continue ReadingNicolás Almagro
Tennis player with ATP titles
Born
August 21st, 1985 40 years ago
A professional tennis player from Spain, competed primarily on the ATP tour. Gained prominence in the early 2000s and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 9 in 2012. Excelled on clay courts, capturing multiple ATP titles including the 2012 Nice Open. Participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments, with his best performance being a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open in 2008. Represented Spain in the Davis Cup, contributing to the team's successful campaigns during his tenure. Retired from professional tennis in 2018.
Continue ReadingSergey Brin
Computer Scientist, co-founder of Google
Born
August 21st, 1973 52 years ago
A Russian-American computer scientist and businessman, co-founded Google in 1998. Brin played a pivotal role in the development of the search engine, which revolutionized the way information is accessed online. Brin served as the President of Technology at Google and was instrumental in the company's growth into a leading technology giant. He also contributed to various projects in machine learning and artificial intelligence during his tenure. Outside of Google, Brin has been involved in venture capital through the investment firm, CapitalG, focusing on innovative technology startups.
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