Lena Baker
Executed maid later pardoned posthumously
Born
June 8th, 1900
124 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1945
80 years ago — 44 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1900, worked as a maid in Georgia. In 1944, convicted of murdering her employer, which led to her execution in the electric chair. The trial garnered attention due to the circumstances surrounding the case, including claims of abuse. Posthumously pardoned in 2005, recognition of a wrongful conviction emerged decades later, influencing discussions on race and justice in the American legal system.
Executed for the murder of her employer
Pardoned posthumously in 2005
Other People Born on June 8th
Kanye West
An American rapper, producer, director, and fashion designer, achieved fame with the debut album 'The College Dropout' in 2004. Gained recognition for innovative music production and genre-blending styles within hip-hop. Established a fashion brand, Yeezy, which became influential in contemporary streetwear. Directed the acclaimed music video for 'Stronger' and led numerous collaborations with various artists. Produced several Grammy Award-winning albums, showcasing a significant evolution in modern music.
Continue ReadingRobert Schumann
A 19th-century composer and music critic, created significant contributions to the Romantic era of music. He founded the 'Neue Zeitschrift für Musik', which celebrated new music and composers. Schumann composed numerous works, including symphonies, piano pieces, and chamber music. Notable pieces include 'Carnaval', 'Kinderszenen', and 'Dichterliebe'. Schumann faced personal struggles, including mental health issues, which influenced his later works. His music emphasizes lyrical melodies and emotional depth.
Continue ReadingGeorge Pell
Ordained as a priest in 1966, served as the Bishop of Melbourne and the Archbishop of Sydney, becoming a prominent figure within the Catholic Church. Appointed as a Cardinal in 2003 and later became the Prefect for the Secretariat for the Economy at the Vatican. Was influential in financial reforms within the Church. Involved in various controversies regarding sexual abuse allegations and faced a conviction in Australia, which was later overturned. Contributed to theological discussions and represented the Church in multiple international events.
Continue ReadingMick Hucknall
A British singer-songwriter gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the band Simply Red, formed in 1985. The band achieved significant commercial success, particularly with the album 'Stars' released in 1991, which featured hits such as 'Hold Back the River' and 'If You Don't Know Me by Now'. Hucknall's distinct vocals and soulful style contributed to the band's popularity throughout the 1990s and beyond. The band toured internationally, bringing their sound to audiences around the globe. Hucknall also launched a solo career, releasing albums that showcased his musical versatility. In addition to his music career, he has been involved in various charitable endeavors.
Continue ReadingJohn D. Roberts
A prominent chemist and academic contributed extensively to the field of organic chemistry. Developed significant theories and methodologies, especially in nuclear magnetic resonance. Served as a professor and held a prestigious position at the California Institute of Technology. Authored foundational texts that are widely used in chemistry curricula. Received the National Medal of Science for contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences.
Continue ReadingWillie Davenport
Competed in track and field, specializing in the 110-meter hurdles. Achieved notable success during the 1960s and 1970s, representing the United States at multiple international competitions. Won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Participated in the Olympic Games in 1964, 1968, and 1972, securing a bronze medal in the 1972 Munich Olympics. His contributions to the sport include setting personal records and competing at national levels, influencing future generations of hurdlers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 5th
Nuno da Cunha
An admiral and politician from Portugal. Served as Governor of Portuguese India from 1538 until death in 1539. Focused on establishing Portuguese influence in India during a critical period of colonial expansion. Actively engaged in military campaigns to secure territory and strengthen trade relations in the region. His governance contributed to the early consolidation of Portuguese power in Asia, shaping the future of the colony.
Continue ReadingHassan Al-Turabi
Involved in Sudanese politics, played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape. Associated with the National Islamic Front, which merged Islamism with Sudanese nationalism. Advocated for Islamic law in governance. Served as an adviser to President Omar al-Bashir before becoming an opposition figure. Founded the Popular Congress Party and promoted the idea of dialogue among various political factions. Criticized by the government he once supported, faced imprisonment. Engaged in various international advocacy initiatives until death.
Continue ReadingAnna Akhmatova
A prominent poet and translator from Ukraine, her work reflected the struggles of life in Russia during tumultuous times. She belonged to the Acmeist movement, which emphasized clarity and precision in poetry. Akhmatova's most recognized work includes the poem series 'Requiem,' which memorializes the suffering of those persecuted during the Stalinist purges. This poignant work gained international acclaim and solidified her position as one of the greatest Russian poets of the 20th century. Throughout her life, Akhmatova faced censorship and personal loss but continued to write until her death in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of literary achievement that influenced generations of writers.
Continue ReadingWilliam Powell
An American actor, renowned for a distinctive style in film and a sophisticated persona. Starred in the 'The Thin Man' series, portraying the character Nick Charles, which became a hallmark of his career. Also earned acclaim for performances in films like 'My Man Godfrey' and 'The Great Ziegfeld'. His career spanned over five decades, starting in the silent film era and transitioning to talkies, showcasing versatility in various genres. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'My Man Godfrey'.
Continue ReadingRobert C. O'Brien
An American author and journalist, one celebrated work is 'Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH', a children's novel published in 1971. This book gained recognition for its engaging narrative and complex themes, which addressed issues of ethics and science. O'Brien also contributed to children's literature through other works, adopting the pseudonym 'C. Robert O'Brien' for some publications. His journalistic career included writing articles and essays for various publications, reflecting insights on societal issues. In addition to literature, he engaged with themes of science and the environment, influencing young readers through imaginative storytelling. O'Brien's impact on children's literature remains significant, and his works are often included in educational curricula.
Continue ReadingYip Harburg
A prominent American songwriter and lyricist, contributed significantly to musical theater and film. Wrote lyrics for the enduring hit song 'Over the Rainbow' from the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz'. Collaborated with composers like Harold Arlen and contributed to various Broadway productions. Involved in social causes and themes through his works, reflecting social commentary and political issues.
Continue Reading