Lena Baker
Executed maid later pardoned posthumously
Born
June 8th, 1900
125 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
Richard Pousette-Dart
Born in 1916, this artist became a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. With a focus on color and form, created significant works that contributed to modern art. Worked as an educator, influencing future generations of artists. Exhibited at major galleries and museums, establishing a reputation in the art world. His artistic journey included explorations of various media and techniques, leading to a distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors and spontaneous brushwork.
Continue ReadingBonnie Tyler
A Welsh singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive husky voice. Released the hit single 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' in 1983, which reached number one in several countries, cementing her status in the music industry. Other notable songs included 'Holding Out for a Hero' and 'It's a Heartache', both achieving significant chart success. Tyler's career spans several decades and she has received multiple awards, including a Brit Award for International Solo Artist. Continues to perform globally, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
Continue ReadingMarguerite Yourcenar
Marguerite Yourcenar was a Belgian-French author and poet. She became the first woman elected to the Académie Française in 1980. Yourcenar's literary career spanned several decades, during which she wrote novels, essays, and plays. One of her most significant works, 'Memoirs of Hadrian', published in 1951, is a fictional account of the Roman Emperor Hadrian's life, exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality. The novel received critical acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages, confirming her place in the literary canon. She also gained recognition for her other works, including 'The Abyss', which examined the life of an early Christian philosopher. Yourcenar's evocative prose and deep philosophical insights have continued to resonate with readers worldwide.
Continue ReadingJeļena Ostapenko
A professional tennis player from Latvia achieved significant success on the women's circuit. Claimed the title at the 2017 French Open, becoming the first unseeded woman to win the tournament in the Open Era. Demonstrated powerful baseline play and aggressive style, ranking within the top 10 of the WTA rankings. Accumulated multiple titles throughout the career, establishing a reputation as a formidable competitor on the court.
Continue ReadingEmanuel Ax
Born in Poland and later moving to the United States, a renowned pianist and educator has had a distinguished career in classical music. The individual gained acclaim for performances of works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms. Collaboration with notable orchestras and musicians, including the New York Philharmonic and Itzhak Perlman, has characterized the career. The pianist has received multiple Grammy Awards for recordings, showcasing exceptional talent and artistry in performances. In addition to performing, the individual has dedicated time to educating the next generation of musicians, teaching at esteemed institutions.
Continue ReadingJavier Mascherano
Played as a defensive midfielder and center-back, representing Argentina in international competitions. Played for notable clubs including River Plate, West Ham United, Liverpool, and FC Barcelona. Achieved significant domestic and international success, including winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and multiple La Liga titles. Participated in several Copa América tournaments and played in the FIFA World Cups of 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 5th
Mary Louise Booth
An American writer, editor, and translator. Played a crucial role in the publication of 'Harper's Weekly', serving as its first female editor. Contributed significantly to the field of journalism and literature through numerous articles, essays, and translations. Actively engaged in the cultural and educational discourse of the time, promoting literature and enhancing the representation of women's voices in media.
Continue ReadingAilsa McKay
An economist and academic focused on gender and labor market issues. McKay contributed significantly to debates on women's economic rights and social inclusion. Her work emphasized the economic implications of gender inequalities and the importance of examining women's roles in various sectors. McKay served as a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, where she engaged in extensive research and taught courses on economics. She authored several publications that addressed issues surrounding gender and employment, influencing policies and academic discussions in her field.
Continue ReadingGeoff Edwards
An American actor and game show host, contributed significantly to television. Hosted popular game shows including 'Hollywood Squares', 'The Big Payoff', and 'Go'. Developed a recognizable presence in the entertainment industry over several decades, engaging audiences with charisma and wit. Also appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing versatile acting skills. Career spanned from the 1960s until the early 2010s, establishing a legacy in television history.
Continue ReadingJohn Adams
Born in 1947, this American composer gained recognition for contributions to contemporary classical music, particularly minimalist music. Famous works include operas such as 'Nixon in China' and 'The Death of Klinghoffer', as well as orchestral compositions like 'Shaker Loops' and 'Harmonielehre'. The composer served as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, influencing the American music scene through various roles and projects. Alongside the acclaimed works, multiple Grammy Awards were received for exceptional work in music.
Continue ReadingRichard Stapley
An actor and writer, contributions spanned film and television. Gained recognition for performances in productions during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant roles in shows such as 'The Forsyte Saga' and appeared in films including 'The Kidnappers'. Active in the entertainment industry both in the UK and abroad for several decades, showcasing a range of talents from dramatic performances to screenwriting.
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