Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
Former Malian President and politician
Served as the President of Mali from 2013 until 2020. Previously held the position of Prime Minister in the 1990s. Played a significant role in political reform and governance in Mali during his tenure. Faced challenges including political unrest and security issues related to terrorism in the region. His presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize the country amidst ongoing conflicts.
Served as Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 1995
Elected President of Mali in 2013
Oversaw Mali's return to democracy after a military coup
Other People Born on January 29th
Paul Ryan
American Politician, 62nd Speaker of the House
Born
January 29th, 1970 56 years ago
Served as a prominent American politician and was the 62nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. Represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1999 to 2019. Played a key role in the passage of significant legislation, including tax reform in 2017 and the repeal of parts of the Affordable Care Act. Served as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2012 alongside Mitt Romney. Involved in various committees and shaped significant policy discussions during tenure.
Continue ReadingElio Petri
Italian film director and screenwriter
Born
January 29th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
1982 44 years ago — 53 years old
An influential director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to Italian cinema. Directed several acclaimed films that explored social and political themes. Notable works include 'Investigating the Criminal' and 'The 10th Victim,' both of which offered critical commentary on society. Developed a unique narrative style that combined elements of drama and satire. Collaborated with notable actors to create powerful performances that resonated with audiences.
Continue ReadingJohann Reuchlin
Humanist and scholar of the Renaissance
Born
January 29th, 1455 571 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1522 503 years ago — 67 years old
Born in Germany, contributed significantly to the fields of humanism and scholarly studies during the Renaissance. Focused on classical texts and philosophy, promoting the study of Hebrew and Jewish texts. Engaged in the defense of Jewish scholarship against Catholic Church opposition. His works laid the groundwork for future studies in linguistics and Jewish thought.
Continue ReadingAlan Cowley
Chemist who contributed to organometallics
Born
January 29th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 86 years old
A British chemist focused on organometallic chemistry. Played a significant role in the development of new organometallic compounds, particularly in the study of lanthanide and actinide complexes. Contributed to the advancement of methods in synthesis, analysis, and application of organometallic materials in various chemical processes. Published extensively, sharing knowledge with the scientific community and influencing future research in the field.
Continue ReadingAndre Reed
American football wide receiver
Born
January 29th, 1964 62 years ago
This individual played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Buffalo Bills. With a career spanning from 1985 to 2000, the player contributed significantly to the team's achievements during the 1990s. The player was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and holds numerous franchise records. Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame occurred in 2014, marking a significant recognition of the player's contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingJörg Hoffmann
German swimmer & 1990 European Champion
Born
January 29th, 1970 56 years ago
Competed in swimming events representing Germany. Achieved significant success at the European Championships, where victories in several disciplines were recorded. Competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, showcasing talents on an international stage. His contributions to the sport have been recognized within swimming communities in Germany and beyond.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 16th
Jimmy Castor
American singer-songwriter and saxophonist
Born
1940 86 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2012 14 years ago — 72 years old
Active in the music industry from the 1960s, a saxophonist and singer-songwriter created a distinctive blend of funk, soul, and R&B. Achieved significant success with hit singles that resonated in clubs and on the radio. The work 'Troglodyte (Cave Man)' reached the top of the charts, showcasing a unique style that embraced humor and creativity. Collaborated with various artists and performed extensively, leaving a lasting mark on the genre of funk.
Continue ReadingMahadev Govind Ranade
Indian social reformer and judge
Born
1842 184 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1901 125 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent scholar and social reformer, contributed significantly to social and educational reforms in India during the late 19th century. Served as a judge in the Bombay High Court and played an integral role in the founding of several organizations aimed at addressing social issues such as poverty, education, and women's rights. Authored works on Indian history, social problems, and the need for reform within society. His efforts influenced many reform movements that emerged in India.
Continue ReadingSarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Bengali novelist and social reformer
Born
September 15th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1938 88 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent Bengali novelist, this individual wrote extensively about social issues and human emotions. Born in 1876, the writer produced a significant body of work that depicted the struggles and aspirations of common people. Some of the most notable novels include 'Devdas', which explores the themes of unrequited love and societal constraints, and 'Parineeta', which focuses on love and social norms in Indian society. The legacy includes a portrayal of the rural Bengal landscape and critical commentaries on the social practices of the time, influencing generations of readers and writers.
Continue ReadingAndré Cassagnes
Toy maker, creator of the Etch A Sketch
Born
September 23rd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2013 13 years ago — 86 years old
Developed the Etch A Sketch, a popular drawing toy, revolutionizing the way children interact with art. The invention allowed users to create drawings by turning two knobs, controlling a stylus that moved across a screen, leaving a distinctive aluminum powder mark. Introduced to the market in 1960, the toy achieved substantial sales and became a cherished item in many households. Entire generations grew up using the Etch A Sketch, which remains a classic example of innovative design in the toy industry.
Continue ReadingAndrija Artuković
Croatian Minister of Interior
Born
November 29th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1988 38 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Minister of Interior during the Independent State of Croatia from 1941 to 1945. Oversaw the internal security and law enforcement agencies of the wartime regime. Worked closely with the Ustaše government, contributing to policies that led to significant human rights violations during World War II. After the war, faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in a long exile before being apprehended and tried in the 1980s.
Continue ReadingIvan Meštrović
Croatian sculptor and architect
Born
August 15th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1962 64 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent sculptor and architect, this individual played a significant role in the development of modern sculpture in the 20th century. Educational background included studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Major works include the sculptures of the 'Gospa od Tarca' and 'Pieta', and the architectural design of St. George's Church in the village of Dreznik. Resided in the United States during parts of his career and became a professor at Syracuse University, influencing future generations of artists.
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