David Stern
NBA Commissioner overseeing growth
Served as the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association from 1984 to 2014. During tenure, expanded league to 30 teams and significantly increased television rights and revenue. Played a key role in the establishment of the WNBA in 1996. Oversaw the implementation of the salary cap and revenue-sharing systems, transforming the financial landscape of professional basketball. Was involved in the global promotion of basketball, which led to international players joining the league.
Expanded NBA to 30 teams
Established the WNBA
Increased league revenue significantly
Other People Born on September 22nd
Philip Hindes
Track cyclist; Olympic gold medalist
Born
September 22nd, 1992 33 years ago
Track cyclist competed for Great Britain. Achieved prominence by winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics in the Men's Team Sprint event. Secured a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships and earned multiple national titles. Established a reputation as a skilled sprinter in the velodrome.
Continue ReadingVirginia Capers
Actress and singer of Broadway fame
Born
September 22nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 6th, 2004 21 years ago — 78 years old
An accomplished actress and singer, contributed significantly to the world of theater. Originated the role of Lady Thiang in the Broadway production of 'The King and I'. Also performed in 'Porgy and Bess', showcasing a strong operatic presence. Appeared in various television series, including 'The Cosby Show'. Received a Tony Award in 1974 for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for 'The 1974 Tony Awards'.
Continue ReadingChristabel Pankhurst
English women's rights activist
Born
September 22nd, 1880 145 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1958 67 years ago — 77 years old
An influential activist focused on women's suffrage. Co-founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, which employed more militant tactics to advocate for women's voting rights in the United Kingdom. Played a significant role in organizing events, rallies, and campaigns to raise awareness of women's issues. Participated in numerous hunger strikes while imprisoned for activism, drawing attention to the suffrage movement's cause. Advocated for women's rights throughout her life, even after the passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted some women the right to vote.
Continue ReadingSerge Garant
Canadian composer and conductor
Born
September 22nd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1986 39 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed significantly to Canadian music as a composer and conductor. Served as a professor at various universities, shaping future generations of musicians. Established a notable career in contemporary music, primarily focusing on electroacoustic compositions. Conducted many orchestras, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and was pivotal in promoting Canadian musical talent and works.
Continue ReadingPhil Waugh
Australian rugby player and flanker
Born
September 22nd, 1979 46 years ago
An accomplished rugby union player, played as a flanker for the New South Wales Waratahs and the Australian national team. Debuted internationally in 2000 and participated in multiple Rugby World Cups. Renowned for leadership on the field, served as captain of the Waratahs and the national team during significant competitions. After retirement, transitioned into sports administration and governance, contributing to the development of rugby in Australia.
Continue ReadingDaniella Alonso
American actress known for roles in TV series
Born
September 22nd, 1978 47 years ago
Born in 1978, an American actress and model gained recognition for roles in television series. Appeared in the series 'The Night Shift' as Landry De La Cruz, and was featured in 'One Tree Hill' as Anna Taggaro. Additionally, had roles in 'Walker' and the horror film 'The Hills Have Eyes'. Active in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s, she has also worked in modeling and has been involved in various projects across different genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 1st
Maurice Chevalier
French actor and singer in musicals
Born
September 12th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1972 53 years ago — 83 years old
Born in France, a prominent actor and singer became a leading figure in musical films during the early to mid-20th century. The career began in vaudeville, eventually transitioning to films in the 1920s. Achieved high recognition for performances in movies such as "The Love Parade" and "Gigi." Received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Road to Rio." Renowned for trademark style and wide-ranging repertoire which brought charm and sophistication to performances. Continued to perform into his later years, bridging the gap between traditional entertainment and the modern era.
Continue ReadingAlexis Korner
Singer-songwriter and guitarist, blues innovator
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1984 41 years ago — 56 years old
A prominent figure in the British blues movement, a French-English singer-songwriter and guitarist helped introduce rhythm and blues to the UK music scene. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, formed bands such as Blues Incorporated, which featured future members of The Rolling Stones and Cream. Collaborated with artists including Cyril Davies and Charlie Watts, influencing the development of blues in Britain. Released several albums, showcasing a blend of blues and rock music. Contributed significantly to the emergence of the British rock genre, shaping the sounds of numerous musicians that followed. His work paved the way for later rock musicians to explore blues roots.
Continue ReadingMustafa Necati
Turkish civil servant and politician
Born
1894 131 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1929 96 years ago — 35 years old
Served as a prominent civil servant and politician in Turkey, holding the position of Minister of Environment and Urban Planning. Played a significant role in the development of environmental policies and urban planning initiatives during the early years of the Turkish Republic. Contributed to the modernization efforts of the country in the post-Ottoman era, focusing on infrastructure and city planning that aligned with the goals of contemporary governance.
Continue ReadingAmphilochius of Pochayiv
Ukrainian Saint and spiritual leader
Born
November 27th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1971 54 years ago — 76 years old
Amphilochius served as a prominent figure in the Orthodox Church, recognized for leading the Pochayiv Monastery in Ukraine. His life was dedicated to spiritual guidance and monasticism. Through his efforts, he influenced the religious community and contributed to the preservation of Orthodox traditions in the region. His legacy continues to be celebrated, particularly among followers of Orthodoxy.
Continue ReadingRoland Levinsky
Biochemist and academic leader
Born
1943 82 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2007 18 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent biochemist and academic leader, contributions included research in protein chemistry and the role of peptides in biological systems. Served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth from 2001 until 2007, fostering academic growth and research initiatives. Engaged in various collaborative projects aimed at enhancing understanding of enzymatic processes and their implications in health sciences. Established programs to strengthen ties between academia and industry, focusing on practical applications of biochemical research.
Continue ReadingShirley Chisholm
American politician and educator
Born
November 30th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2005 20 years ago — 80 years old
An influential educator and politician, played a pivotal role in American politics as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Served from 1969 to 1983, representing New York's 12th congressional district. Advocate for social justice and equality, focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and women's rights. Ran for the Democratic nomination for President in 1972, becoming the first major party African American candidate for the presidency. Worked tirelessly to bring attention to the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
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