Breanna Stewart
Basketball player, WNBA Champion
Played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, where won four NCAA championships. Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Achieved success in the WNBA, leading the Storm to multiple championships and earning the Finals MVP award. Contributed to the U.S. national women's basketball team, winning gold medals at the Olympics and FIBA World Cup.
Won four NCAA championships at UConn
Led Seattle Storm to two WNBA championships
Earned WNBA Finals MVP award
Secured Olympic gold medals in 2021
Other People Born on August 27th
Giorgio Mitrovich
Maltese politician and public figure
Born
August 27th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1885 140 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a prominent political figure in Malta during the 19th century. Engaged in various political activities and contributed to discussions on governance and law. Elected to the Legislative Assembly and actively participated in shaping Maltese politics. Advocated for civil rights, education reforms, and social issues relevant to the Maltese populace. His work laid the groundwork for subsequent political developments in Malta.
Continue ReadingMangosuthu Buthelezi
South African politician, KwaZulu leader
Born
August 27th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent figure in South African politics, served as the Chief Minister of KwaZulu. Founded the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1975, emphasizing the rights of Zulu people. Played a significant role in the political landscape during the anti-apartheid movement, engaging in negotiations for political reform. Had a lengthy political career that spanned several decades and included participation in the formation of a new South African constitution.
Continue ReadingCharles Rolls
Engineer and co-founder of Rolls-Royce
Born
August 27th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1910 115 years ago — 32 years old
An English engineer and businessman, co-founded Rolls-Royce Limited in 1904. The company became a prominent manufacturer of luxury automobiles and aircraft engines. Rolls was instrumental in establishing the high standards of engineering and quality that defined the Rolls-Royce brand. He was also an aviation pioneer, known for his enthusiasm for flying and his contributions to early aviation. Rolls tragically died in a flying accident in 1910.
Continue ReadingLester Young
Saxophonist influential in jazz music
Born
August 27th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1959 66 years ago — 49 years old
An American saxophonist and clarinet player, contributed significantly to the development of jazz music in the early 20th century. Young's unique style, characterized by a smooth, laid-back sound, influenced many musicians. He gained prominence while playing with the Count Basie Orchestra during the 1930s. His work included numerous recordings, both as a solo artist and as a collaborator, showcasing his innovative approach to improvisation. His notable compositions, like 'Lester Leaps In' and 'Savoy Blues,' became jazz standards, helping to shape the genre.
Continue ReadingKoxinga
Ming loyalist and military leader
Born
August 27th, 1624 401 years ago
Died
1662 363 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1624, Koxinga was a military leader known for his efforts to restore the Ming dynasty. He launched military campaigns against the Qing dynasty and established a base on Taiwan, which served as a center for Ming loyalism. Koxinga aimed to defeat the Qing and reinstate the Ming emperor, becoming a significant figure in Chinese history. His legacy includes the establishment of a short-lived kingdom in Taiwan, which marked a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history.
Continue ReadingJohn Hay Whitney
American diplomat and financier
Born
August 27th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1982 43 years ago — 77 years old
Served as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1957 to 1959. Involved in various financial activities, including investment in real estate and other business ventures. Played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange between the United States and the United Kingdom during the post-war period and contributed to numerous philanthropic efforts throughout his life.
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