Amelia Boynton Robinson
American civil rights activist and leader
Born
Died
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1911, this activist played a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Actively participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and was one of the first African American women to run for Congress from Alabama. Contributed to the establishment of the Selma Voting Rights Movement and was a key figure in advocating for voting rights for African Americans. Her work garnered national attention, leading to greater awareness of civil rights issues in the 1960s.
Participated in Selma to Montgomery marches
First African American woman to run for Congress from Alabama
Co-founded the Selma Voting Rights Movement
Other People Born on August 18th
Ryan O'Hara
Rugby league player for Wests Tigers
Born
August 18th, 1980 45 years ago
Professional rugby league player represented Wests Tigers in the NRL. Had a successful career playing as a prop. Contributed to the team's performance during the 2005 NRL season and participated in representative games for New South Wales. Retired from professional play after several years in the league.
Continue ReadingAgneta Horn
Swedish writer of 17th-century works
Born
August 18th, 1629 396 years ago
Died
1672 354 years ago — 43 years old
Born in Sweden, a prominent writer in the 17th century, contributed significantly to Swedish literature. Horn's writings include poetry and prose that reflected the cultural and social complexities of the time. Her work often explored themes of personal experience and moral reflection, establishing a voice that resonated within her contemporary society. Active in a time when women writers faced substantial challenges, her contributions provided a foundation for future literary pursuits among women.
Continue ReadingFerdinando Galli-Bibiena
Italian painter and architect
Born
August 18th, 1657 368 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1743 283 years ago — 85 years old
Active during the late Baroque period, this individual created significant works in both painting and architecture. Notable for designing theatrical sets and structures, the work exemplifies the grandeur and dynamism of the Baroque style. A prolific contributor, completed over 100 stage designs, which influenced European theater architecture.
Continue ReadingShelley Winters
American actress and Oscar winner
Born
August 18th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
January 14th, 2006 20 years ago — 85 years old
An American actress, prominent during the mid-20th century, gained acclaim for performances in film and theater. Featured in notable films such as "The Diary of Anne Frank," which earned an Academy Award, and "A Patch of Blue," which also garnered an Oscar. Winters was recognized for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters. In addition to her film work, she had a successful career in television, earning accolades for performances in popular series.
Continue ReadingFranz Joseph I of Austria
Austrian Emperor and monarch
Born
August 18th, 1830 195 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1916 109 years ago — 86 years old
Ruled as Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary from 1848 until death in 1916. Oversaw significant events such as the Austro-Prussian War, the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, and World War I. His reign faced various national movements within the empire, leading to challenges in maintaining control over diverse ethnic groups. Aimed to modernize the empire while balancing power struggles with neighboring nations.
Continue ReadingDidier Auriol
Race car driver and WRC champion
Born
August 18th, 1958 67 years ago
Auriol achieved significant success in rally racing. Competed primarily in the World Rally Championship (WRC) throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Secured the WRC Drivers' Championship title in 1994 while driving for Toyota. Established a reputation for skillful driving and strategic navigation across challenging terrains. Auriol's career includes numerous stage wins and contributions to the development of rally car technology.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 26th
Georg Wittig
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 16th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1987 38 years ago — 90 years old
A German chemist contributed significantly to organic chemistry, particularly in the area of phosphorus chemistry. Developed the Wittig reaction, a method for synthesizing alkenes from aldehydes or ketones and phosphonium ylides. Served as a professor at the University of Heidelberg. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1979 for advancements in organic synthesis.
Continue ReadingRalph Vaughan Williams
English composer of classical music
Born
October 12th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1958 67 years ago — 85 years old
An English composer and educator contributed significantly to classical music during the 20th century. Vaughan Williams was a prominent figure in the revival of English folk music and incorporated folk elements into his compositions. His most recognized works include symphonies, choral pieces, and operas. He was influenced by the British landscape and the spiritual life of the nation, which is reflected in his music. The composer served as a director of the Royal College of Music and influenced generations of musicians through his teaching.
Continue ReadingJohn of Bohemia
King of Bohemia and military leader
Born
August 10th, 1296 729 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1346 679 years ago — 50 years old
Ruled as King of Bohemia from 1310 until death in 1346. Prominent figure in the Hundred Years' War, fought at the Battle of Crécy. Known for promoting the rights of nobility and fostering the cultural development of Bohemia. Participated in numerous military campaigns across Europe.
Continue ReadingJeanie MacPherson
American actress and screenwriter
Born
May 18th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1946 79 years ago — 60 years old
An actress and screenwriter contributed to the early film industry. Active in the 1910s and 1920s, she appeared in and wrote for silent films. Collaborated with prominent directors and actors of the era, shaping the narrative structure of early cinema. MacPherson’s work displayed a strong understanding of storytelling and character development. Most noted for writing the screenplay for the classic film 'The Sheik', which starred Rudolph Valentino, a significant film of its time that contributed to the popularity of romantic adventure stories in cinema. Also performed in numerous silent films, establishing a career that spanned both acting and writing.
Continue ReadingCharles Lindbergh
Aviator and first solo nonstop transatlantic flight
Born
February 4th, 1902 124 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1974 51 years ago — 72 years old
Transatlantic aviator and explorer completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The historic flight took place on May 20-21, 1927, in the Spirit of St. Louis, traveling from New York City to Paris. This achievement significantly advanced the field of aviation and captured the world's imagination. Lindbergh became an international celebrity, receiving numerous accolades for the accomplishment. Later, he contributed to various aviation advancements and engaged in humanitarian efforts.
Continue ReadingJohn J. Gilligan
American politician, 62nd Governor of Ohio
Born
March 22nd, 1922 104 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
Served as the 62nd Governor of Ohio from 1971 to 1975. Focused on educational reforms and environmental issues during tenure. Prior to governorship, held positions in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. Worked as a professor after leaving office.
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