Bessie Coleman
Pioneer aviator and airshow performer
Born
January 26th, 1892
133 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1926
98 years ago — 34 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Pioneering aviator became the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license. Overcame racial and gender barriers to achieve ambitions in aviation. Trained in France due to the limited opportunities in the United States for black pilots. Returned to the U.S. and participated in airshows, attracting significant audiences. Played a crucial role in encouraging other African Americans to pursue careers in aviation.
First African American woman to earn a pilot's license
Performed in airshows across the United States
Advocated for the inclusion of African Americans in aviation
Other People Born on January 26th
Miguel Borja
A professional footballer from Colombia, played as a forward. Started career at Deportivo Cali, gaining attention for scoring significant goals. Had subsequent spells at clubs like Atlético Nacional and Palmeiras. Achieved success with Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores, contributing to the team's victory in 2020. Also represented the Colombian national team in international competitions, including the Copa América and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Continue ReadingManti Te'o
Played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where gained national attention as a linebacker. Achieved significant recognition in 2012 when selected as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first linebacker to receive this honor since 1990. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Played for the Chargers until 2016, later joining the New Orleans Saints and contributing to the team's defense. Known for leadership on and off the field, and for his remarkable collegiate career, including being a consensus All-American.
Continue ReadingPer Thorén
Born in Sweden in 1885, the figure skater competed in men's singles events. Participated in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London, marking a significant point in the history of the sport. The competition provided a platform for showcasing skills and techniques in figure skating, contributing to the early development of the discipline in competitive sports. Represented Sweden at the international level.
Continue ReadingJack Youngblood
A professional football player, this individual played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams. Career spanned from 1971 to 1984, during which achieved notable recognition for stellar performances on the field. Was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and received First-Team All-Pro honors. This player is remembered for a significant postseason achievement when he participated in Super Bowl XIV despite a broken leg, displaying remarkable determination and skill. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001 for contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingNorbert Schultze
Born in Germany in 1911, this composer and conductor specialized in creating film scores and classical compositions. An accomplished figure in the realm of music, contributions to cinema include work on soundtracks that strengthened narratives within various films. The composer’s music was characterized by its ability to evoke emotion and complement visual storytelling. Collaborations with several prominent directors and involvement in film projects helped elevate the art of scoring during his career, leading to recognition within the film industry.
Continue ReadingPetri Oravainen
A Finnish footballer played primarily as a defender during professional career. Oravainen started playing for FC Haka, gaining recognition in the Finnish Veikkausliiga. Later, he moved to KooTeePee, where he contributed to the team's performance in various league matches. After stints at several other clubs, his time at VPS solidified his reputation within Finnish football. Oravainen also had involvement with the Finnish national under-21 team, representing Finland in international youth competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 30th
Jacques Presser
A distinguished Dutch historian, writer, and poet contributed significantly to Dutch historical literature. His works examined Jewish history and experiences during World War II, particularly in the context of the Holocaust. The contributions included comprehensive studies on the persecution of Jews in the Netherlands and the broader implications for the Jewish community. His literary career was marked by a blend of historical analysis and poignant storytelling, establishing a lasting legacy in both fields. Presser also engaged in poetry, reflecting the cultural landscape of his time.
Continue ReadingThomas Cooke
Served as a bishop in Canada during the 19th century while engaging in missionary work. Contributed to the establishment of the Anglican Church in Canada and worked on various initiatives to support Indigenous communities. Focused on education and the spiritual welfare of settlers and Indigenous populations, placing a significant emphasis on community development and religious outreach.
Continue ReadingRishi Kapoor
A prominent figure in Hindi cinema, this individual began a successful acting career at a young age, starring in the film 'Mera Naam Joker' in 1970. Over the years, appeared in numerous significant films, establishing a reputation as a versatile actor. In the late 1970s and 1980s, played lead roles in romantic dramas such as 'Bobby' and 'KKhuda Gawah'. Transitioned to character roles in the 2000s, with notable performances in films like 'Luck by Chance' and 'Kapoor & Sons'. In addition to acting, also directed and produced films, contributing to the landscape of Indian cinema. The individual received several awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards, recognizing contributions to the film industry.
Continue ReadingNizar Qabbani
A prominent Syrian poet, publisher, and diplomat, contributed significantly to Arabic literature. Published many volumes of poetry exploring themes of love, feminism, and social issues. Established the publishing house Qabbani & Sons, promoting literary works in the Arab world. Served as a diplomat in several countries, including Turkey and the UK, where exposure to different cultures influenced literary style. Regarded as a leading figure in modern Arabic poetry, both in terms of style and thematic exploration, with works being translated into various languages.
Continue ReadingMino Raiola
A prominent football agent, significantly influenced player transfers and contract negotiations in international football. Managed notable players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Established a reputation for securing lucrative deals and demonstrating strong negotiation skills. Actively engaged in the football community, advocating for players' rights and interests. His extensive network within the sport allowed for impactful collaborations and partnerships.
Continue ReadingJoseph Leidy
Contributions to paleontology included the first scientific descriptions of numerous dinosaur fossils, as well as work on various prehistoric vertebrates. Leidy played a significant role in the development of comparative anatomy and paleontology in the United States. He served as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and was a key member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, influencing generations of scientists. His studies provided insights into the evolutionary history of life on Earth and advanced the understanding of extinct species.
Continue Reading