Ella Baker
Civil Rights Activist and Leader
Born in 1903, significant contributions to the civil rights movement occurred throughout the mid-20th century. Assisted in the founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960, emphasizing grassroots organizing and leadership development. Worked with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Advocated for collective decision-making and empowerment within the African American community.
Founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Worked with the NAACP and SCLC
Other People Born on December 13th
Arantxa Rus
Dutch tennis player with WTA titles
Born
December 13th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional tennis player from the Netherlands, achieved notable success on the WTA Tour. Excelled on the clay surface and secured several titles throughout the career. Gained recognition for strong performances at Grand Slam tournaments, particularly at the French Open, where reached the fourth round in 2012. Demonstrated consistent efforts in both singles and doubles matches and represented the Netherlands in the Fed Cup, contributing to the team's overall success over the years.
Continue ReadingDave Leduc
Martial artist and world champion
Born
December 13th, 1991 34 years ago
A prominent martial artist, achieved recognition in the world of Muay Thai and various combat sports. Competed in multiple championships, securing titles and victories that highlighted skills and dedication. Established a reputation in one championship, contributing to the growth of the sport. Engaged in teaching and promoting martial arts to aspiring athletes, fostering interest and participation in combat sports.
Continue ReadingB. J. Vorster
South African politician and statesman
Born
December 13th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1983 42 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the 4th State President of South Africa from 1966 to 1978. Held various ministerial positions prior to presidency, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Police. Focused on the policies of apartheid, emphasizing security and law enforcement. Promoted the interests of the Afrikaner population and supported strong ties with the United States during the Cold War. His administration faced international criticism and economic sanctions due to apartheid policies.
Continue ReadingDanielle Collins
American tennis player and major title winner
Born
December 13th, 1993 32 years ago
This tennis player has achieved significant success on the professional circuit. A standout performer in collegiate tennis, won the NCAA singles title in 2016 while representing the University of Florida. Transitioned to the professional arena and reached the semifinals of the 2019 Australian Open. Secured a WTA singles title, showcasing skill and determination on the court. Competed in both singles and doubles events, representing the United States in international competitions.
Continue ReadingEmma Corrin
English actor, starred in The Crown
Born
December 13th, 1995 30 years ago
An English actor gained prominence through a breakthrough role in the Netflix series 'The Crown' portraying Princess Diana. This role earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. Following this success, involvement in several other projects drew attention, showcasing the ability to tackle complex characters in both film and television. Recent work includes roles in films such as 'Pennyworth' and 'The Pursuit of Love,' further establishing a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingSimona Waltert
Swiss tennis player and competitor
Born
December 13th, 2000 25 years ago
Competed professionally in tennis, achieving notable success in various international tournaments. Established a presence on the WTA Tour, making strides in singles and doubles events. Gained recognition for performances in junior championships, which laid the groundwork for a successful transition to the professional level. Demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout career developments.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 13th
Lew Grade
Film producer and television executive
Born
December 25th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1998 27 years ago — 91 years old
Born in Ukraine, Grade became a significant figure in the British television landscape. His career included founding the production company Associated Television (ATV), which produced a range of popular programs. He played a pivotal role in bringing many iconic series to the screen, including 'The Avengers' and 'Thunderbirds'. As an influential producer, he also ventured into film production, contributing to movies like 'The Italian Job'. His contributions to the industry earned him numerous accolades and recognition.
Continue ReadingMaimonides
Spanish rabbi and philosopher
Born
March 30th, 1135 890 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1204 821 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent medieval rabbi and philosopher, this figure made significant contributions to Jewish law and philosophy. Born in Córdoba, Spain, in 1135, he later moved to Morocco and then Egypt. His major works include 'Mishneh Torah,' a comprehensive code of Jewish law, and 'Guide for the Perplexed,' which addresses the relationship between religion and philosophy. His writings sought to reconcile religious tradition with rational thought.
Continue ReadingLorraine O'Grady
American conceptual artist and writer
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2024 1 years ago — 90 years old
An artist and writer active in contemporary art, specialized in performance and conceptual practices. O'Grady gained recognition for exploring themes of race, identity, and feminism in art. Key works included the performance piece 'Art Is...,' which highlightedAfrican American women's experiences in the art world. Contributions to various exhibitions took place, including participation in the Whitney Biennial and the Venice Biennale. O'Grady's work also spanned writing, where essays and critiques examined intersections of art, culture, and politics.
Continue ReadingIrma Grese
Concentration camp guard during WWII
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1945 80 years ago — 22 years old
Worked as a guard at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps during World War II. Grese joined the SS and was involved in the administration of the camps, characterized by harsh treatment of detainees. Captured by British troops in 1945, faced trial for war crimes, which resulted in a death sentence. Executed in December 1945.
Continue ReadingAbraham Wald
Mathematician known for decision theory
Born
October 31st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1950 75 years ago — 48 years old
A mathematician and economist contributed to the field of statistics and decision theory. In the 1940s, worked on statistical methods for wartime applications, including the development of techniques to analyze aircraft damage. Proposed the concept of survivorship bias, emphasizing the need to examine failures rather than just successes. This work has had lasting implications in various fields including economics, military strategy, and operations research.
Continue ReadingAlan Thicke
Television actor and theme music composer
Born
March 1st, 1947 79 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2016 9 years ago — 69 years old
Born in Canada, an actor contributed significantly to television during the 1980s and 1990s. Starred as Jason Seaver in the popular sitcom 'Growing Pains,' which aired from 1985 to 1992. Also gained recognition for composing theme music for various television shows, including the iconic theme for 'The Different Strokes.' Pursued a career in both acting and music, becoming a familiar face on American television. Later appeared in reality television projects and talk shows, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until his passing.
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